An official Jeju Air crash investigation has concluded that pilot error was the primary cause of the tragic December 2024 crash at Muan International Airport, marking the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil. According to findings by South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, the pilot mistakenly shut off the left engine — which was functioning properly — instead of the right engine, which had been severely damaged by a bird strike.
The incident occurred on 29 December 2024, when Jeju Air Flight 2216 reported a bird strike while approaching the runway. The crew issued a mayday call and attempted to land from the opposite direction. However, video footage showed the aircraft skidding on the tarmac in a belly landing, without its landing gear deployed, before crashing into a concrete barrier and bursting into flames.
Read more: Andy Byron Resigns as Astronomer CEO After Viral Kiss Cam Controversy
Out of 181 people on board, 179 died, making it the deadliest commercial aviation crash in South Korea’s history. Only two passengers survived with critical injuries.
The aircraft’s engines were sent to France in March for forensic analysis. The investigation confirmed that while the right engine suffered significant damage from the bird strike, the crew shut down the left engine, leading to a complete loss of thrust during final approach.
Families and Pilots Union Challenge Findings
The release of the report was initially scheduled for the weekend but was delayed after intense protests from victims’ families, who had been briefed on the conclusions beforehand. In a joint statement, they accused investigators of pinning the entire blame on the pilot while ignoring structural and operational failures that contributed to the disaster.
“The bereaved families seek a fair and transparent investigation into the accident,” the statement read. They further urged authorities to hold a press briefing only after a full and careful examination is completed, including a focus on airport infrastructure.
Read more: 13 Arrested in Viral Balochistan Honour Killing Case, Says CM Bugti
One of the key criticisms is that the investigation overlooked the presence of the concrete barrier at the end of the runway. Families argued that this structure played a major role in the severity of the crash and the high number of fatalities.
The Jeju Air pilots’ union echoed these concerns, stating that the report unfairly emphasized human error and downplayed systemic issues, such as runway design, poor emergency protocols, and questionable aircraft maintenance standards.
In response, a source with direct knowledge of the probe told Reuters that the findings would not be altered. “The investigation is based on clear evidence and backed by data,” the source said, suggesting that the report’s focus on pilot error was substantiated through flight data recorder analysis.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against Jeju Air CEO
In May, families of the crash victims filed a criminal complaint against Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, accusing him of professional negligence. Mr. Kim is among 24 individuals currently under investigation by South Korean police in connection with the crash.
Following the tragedy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced in January that it would remove similar concrete barriers from seven other airports across the country, acknowledging potential safety hazards posed by these structures.
While the government’s response to the infrastructure issue was seen as a step forward, critics argue that true accountability requires a more holistic investigation. Aviation safety experts have also raised concerns that narrowing the blame solely to pilot misjudgment could obscure deeper systemic flaws.
As the official Jeju Air crash investigation nears its conclusion, the pressure from grieving families, pilots, and the public continues to mount. With legal action underway and public confidence shaken, Jeju Air faces not only a reputational crisis but also a reckoning over its safety culture and operational practices.
Whether further findings will include a broader review of airline accountability and airport safety remains uncertain. For now, victims’ families remain adamant: “This tragedy cannot be explained away by a single mistake. It demands full truth and justice.”
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates