The investigation into the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash, which claimed the lives of 179 individuals in December, has incited anger from victims' families following reports attributing the accident to pilot error. The flight, attempting to land at Muan International Airport, encountered a bird strike that severely damaged one engine. The pilots became distressed and issued a mayday call, but video footage captured the plane landing without gear and colliding with a concrete barrier.
According to local media coverage, the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board determined that the pilot erroneously shut down the functioning left engine, which led to the catastrophic incident. Nevertheless, researchers have delayed releasing their conclusive report, citing protests from the grieving families, who are adamant that the investigation unfairly scapegoats the pilot without acknowledging the role of the concrete barrier in exacerbating the crash's fatality rate.
The affected families, in a public statement, urged for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, requesting further examination of crucial details surrounding the accident before any press briefing is conducted. They described their need for clarity regarding the human and environmental elements that contributed to the tragedy.
Criticism has also emerged from Jeju Air's pilots' union, denouncing the investigation's findings for not taking sufficient account of the myriad circumstances that might have caused the crash. A knowledgeable source indicated to Reuters that, despite the backlash, investigators stand by their report, asserting they possess the necessary data and evidence to support their conclusions.
The fallout from the crash has prompted South Korea's transport ministry to declare intentions to dismantle existing concrete barriers at seven different airports in the country. In May, families affected by the disaster initiated a criminal complaint against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, alleging professional negligence. Mr. Kim, alongside 23 others, is under investigation as scrutiny around the tragedy intensifies.
