Wed Jul 23 05:45:01 UTC 2025: **The Hindu: World Affairs – South Korea Plane Crash Investigation Sparks Outrage**
**Seoul – July 23, 2025:** Preliminary findings from the investigation into the December 2024 Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives, are facing fierce backlash from bereaved families and fellow pilots. The investigation, focusing on the engines of the Boeing 737-800, suggests that despite evidence of bird strikes damaging both engines, the pilots’ decision to shut down the less-damaged engine prior to the crash-landing may have been a critical factor.
The aircraft crash-landed at Muan International Airport, overshooting the runway and colliding with a concrete structure, leading to a devastating fire. The initial report, based on analysis of the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder (prior to their failure four minutes before the crash), highlights the right engine sustained greater damage from bird strikes. However, the report also indicates the pilots disabled the left engine.
The investigation report does not definitively attribute blame to the pilots, the findings have ignited anger and accusations of scapegoating from the victims’ families and pilot unions. Kim Yu-jin, head of an association representing the families, demanded concrete evidence to support the investigation’s conclusions.
“None of us resent the pilots,” Kim stated, reflecting a common sentiment of disbelief and anger towards the investigators’ implications.
The Korean Pilot Unions Alliance issued a strong statement condemning the investigation board’s findings as “preposterous” and lacking neutrality. Jeju Air pilots are demanding scientific proof that the plane could have landed safely with the less-damaged engine operating.
Critics also point to other potential contributing factors, including the concrete structure housing antennas near the runway. This should have been designed with easily breakable materials.
Authorities have remained largely silent amidst the controversy, canceling a planned press briefing. However, sources suggest that the investigation is also examining air traffic control procedures and the emergency training provided to Jeju Air pilots.
The final investigation results are expected by June 2026.
Kwon Bo Hun, dean of Aeronautics College at the Far East University, criticized the report as “clumsy,” emphasizing the lack of disclosed evidence supporting the conclusions regarding the pilots’ actions. The full cockpit voice and flight data recorders have not been made public.
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