A recent investigation into the Jeju Air crash found pilot error at fault, but victim families argue for a broader examination involving critical factors such as runway safety measures.
Families Dispute Findings in Tragic Jeju Air Crash Investigation
Families Dispute Findings in Tragic Jeju Air Crash Investigation
The victims' families challenge the official report blaming pilot error for the deadly crash, asserting overlooked factors contributed to the tragedy.
Families of victims from the December Jeju Air crash are expressing outrage over a report indicating pilot error as the primary cause of the deadly incident. Local media sources revealed that the investigation discovered the pilot had mistakenly shut down the functioning left engine, rather than the damaged right engine that had been impacted by a bird strike. The official release of the findings faced delays due to protests from the bereaved families, who contend that important contextual elements, such as the concrete barrier the plane struck, were ignored.
This catastrophic event, which claimed 179 lives from a total of 181 on board, occurred on December 29 when Jeju Air Flight 2216 attempted to land at Muan International Airport. Following a mayday alert due to a bird strike, the pilots attempted an emergency landing but ultimately collided with a concrete barrier, leading to a fire that consumed the aircraft.
The families expressed concerns that the report unfairly attributes blame solely to the pilot, insisting on a comprehensive investigation that addresses all possible factors contributing to the crash. They issued a statement calling for transparency and thoroughness in the review process. The Jeju Air pilots' union also criticized the framing of the findings, suggesting it minimizes systemic issues and focuses too heavily on individual error.
In response to growing concerns about airport safety, South Korea's transport ministry announced plans to dismantle concrete barriers at seven airports following the incident. Meanwhile, victim families have filed a criminal complaint against Jeju Air's CEO, Kim E-bae, among others, for alleged professional negligence linked to the events leading up to the crash. Despite calls for further scrutiny, investigators reportedly maintain confidence in their conclusions, citing robust evidence supporting their claims.
