Families of victims involved in the Jeju Air plane crash are protesting a recent report that attributes the incident primarily to pilot error, demanding a thorough investigation that considers all contributing factors.
Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Demand Accountability Amid Pilot Error Report
Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Demand Accountability Amid Pilot Error Report
Families express outrage over investigative report placing blame on pilot for deadly plane crash.
An investigation into the tragic Jeju Air crash last December has concluded that pilot error was a major factor in the incident, a finding that shook the families of the victims. The report, initially set for release this weekend, faced protests from the bereaved families who expressed their frustration over what they deemed a narrow focus on the pilot's actions while disregarding other significant influences on the crash.
The catastrophic incident occurred on December 29, 2022, during the landing of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 181 individuals, collided with a concrete barrier and erupted into flames, resulting in the death of 179 passengers and crew. The pilots had reported a bird strike shortly before attempting to land and subsequently made a mayday call. Video footage illustrated a desperate belly landing, with the landing gear retracted, leading to the aircraft's violent skid into a barrier.
According to investigators from South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, the pilot mistakenly turned off the left engine, which was unaffected, rather than the right engine that suffered more extensive damage from the bird strike. Families of the victims have taken issue with this conclusion, stating that the oversight of the hazardous concrete barrier contributed to the severity of the crash and that the report failed to adequately address this critical point.
In their official statement, the families called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, asserting the need for a final briefing only after a complete evaluation. Similarly, the pilots' union voiced opposition to the current findings, arguing that the investigation placed undue blame on pilots without exploring other relevant factors.
Despite the families' and pilots' union's calls for change, a source familiar with the ongoing investigation revealed that authorities stand firmly behind their conclusions, citing ample evidence and supporting data. Following the accident, South Korea's transport ministry initiated measures to eliminate concrete barriers at seven airports to enhance safety standards.
Amid the ongoing turmoil, the families have also pursued legal avenues, filing criminal complaints against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae and other involved parties for alleged professional negligence as investigations continue.
