In a sorrowful turn of events, families of those lost in South Korea's deadliest air disaster are contesting a new investigation's report. This report alleges that pilot error caused the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash, which claimed 179 lives out of 181 aboard in December when the plane hit a concrete barrier at Muan International Airport after a bird strike.
The report from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board reveals that the pilot mistakenly shut down the wrong engine—the undamaged left engine—while attempting to manage the emergency. Yet, victims' families argue that the investigation overlooked crucial elements, particularly the concrete barrier, which they believe exacerbated the tragedy's impact.
The incident timeline shows the aircraft making a distress call following the bird strike and attempting an emergency landing from an unusual direction. Dashcam footage depicted the plane skidding without its landing gear, ultimately crashing into the barrier. Families are calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, urging authorities to delay any press briefing until a thorough review of all factors involved is conducted.
In light of the findings, Jeju Air’s pilots' union criticized the focus on pilot mistakes, insisting that other factors contributed significantly to the accident. Meanwhile, the transport ministry has announced plans to remove concrete barriers at several airports, reinforcing the need for safety improvements in the wake of the disaster. Additionally, a criminal complaint has been filed against Jeju Air's CEO, highlighting the ongoing quest for accountability in this tragic event.
The report from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board reveals that the pilot mistakenly shut down the wrong engine—the undamaged left engine—while attempting to manage the emergency. Yet, victims' families argue that the investigation overlooked crucial elements, particularly the concrete barrier, which they believe exacerbated the tragedy's impact.
The incident timeline shows the aircraft making a distress call following the bird strike and attempting an emergency landing from an unusual direction. Dashcam footage depicted the plane skidding without its landing gear, ultimately crashing into the barrier. Families are calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, urging authorities to delay any press briefing until a thorough review of all factors involved is conducted.
In light of the findings, Jeju Air’s pilots' union criticized the focus on pilot mistakes, insisting that other factors contributed significantly to the accident. Meanwhile, the transport ministry has announced plans to remove concrete barriers at several airports, reinforcing the need for safety improvements in the wake of the disaster. Additionally, a criminal complaint has been filed against Jeju Air's CEO, highlighting the ongoing quest for accountability in this tragic event.
