Families of the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash are pushing back against the investigation's findings that attribute the tragedy to pilot error, arguing that other critical factors were overlooked, including a concrete barrier on the runway.
Families Demand Accountability After Jeju Air Crash Report Blames Pilot Error
Families Demand Accountability After Jeju Air Crash Report Blames Pilot Error
Investigation report attributing blame to pilot's error sparks outrage among victims' families, who seek transparency in the inquiry.
The families of victims from the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that occurred last December are expressing their anger and dissatisfaction with an official report attributing the catastrophe primarily to pilot error. The investigation, conducted by South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, concluded that the aircraft's pilot mistakenly shut down the left engine, which was undamaged, instead of the right engine, which had suffered significant damage due to a bird strike.
The report's findings, initially set to be released over the weekend, faced delays after uproar from the families who felt that the report wrongly placed sole blame on the pilot while neglecting other contributing circumstances. The incident resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers and crew aboard Jeju Air Flight 2216 when the plane crashed after making a belly landing at Muan International Airport.
The pilots issued a mayday call due to a bird strike and attempted to land from an alternate direction. Footage from the event captured the aircraft skidding across the tarmac and ultimately colliding with a concrete barrier, a detail that the bereaved families argue played a critical role in the severity of the crash—yet it was not addressed in the report. Their call for "a fair and transparent investigation" was reiterated in a public statement, demanding a comprehensive examination be conducted before any conclusions are drawn.
The pilots' union has also echoed the families' sentiments, asserting that the focus on pilot error oversimplifies the reality of the situation and minimizes the influence of other factors involved. However, sources familiar with the investigation maintain that there is robust evidence and data to support the findings made in the report, suggesting no amendments will be made.
In response to the incident, South Korea's transport ministry announced plans in January to eliminate concrete barriers from seven airports as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, a criminal complaint against Jeju Air's CEO remains active, as police continue their investigation into the responsibility of 24 individuals linked to the disaster.
