Pilots Shut Down Wrong Engine in Jeju Air Crash, Says Probe
The investigation into Jeju Air’s deadly plane crash in December has found “clear evidence” that pilots shut down the wrong engine after a bird strike, a source involved in the probe revealed on Monday. The crash, which occurred at Muan Airport, remains the worst air disaster on South Korean soil, killing all but two of the 181 passengers and crew members on board.
Investigators Find Critical Pilot Error
Investigators have reportedly gathered cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and physical evidence from the wreckage confirming that the pilots mistakenly shut off the less-damaged left engine. According to a source, the more severely damaged right engine continued running until the crash. “The investigation team has clear evidence and backup data, so its finding will not change,” said the source, who spoke to Reuters anonymously.
A preliminary report in January had confirmed that both engines contained duck remains after the bird strike. However, this latest evidence suggests that the pilots turned off the functional engine during emergency procedures, which may have contributed to the crash.
Families Object to Early Release of Findings
South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) had planned to share updates with the media but cancelled its release following objections from victims’ families. Lawyers representing the families argued that the report unfairly blamed the pilots while ignoring other contributing factors, including airport infrastructure issues.
Families were briefed privately and expressed concern that the early findings implied pilot error as the primary cause, without addressing potential organisational or structural failures.
Focus Shifts to Crash Site Hazards
In addition to possible pilot mistakes, the Jeju Air pilots’ union and victims’ families are urging investigators to consider the role of Muan Airport’s infrastructure. The aircraft collided with an embankment containing navigation equipment during its belly landing, which experts suggest worsened the death toll.
The pilots’ union accused the ARAIB of scapegoating the flight crew by downplaying the fact that bird remains were found in both engines. The union argued that investigators had not scientifically proved that the plane could have landed safely with just one engine running.
The union also criticised the investigation for avoiding discussions of broader organisational responsibility that might have contributed to the crash.
Awaiting Final Report
Jeju Air said it is fully cooperating with investigators and awaits the official results. Under international aviation rules, a final report is expected within a year of the incident.
While most air crashes result from multiple contributing factors, this investigation is under pressure to clarify the causes of the disaster without prematurely placing blame solely on the pilots.
with inputs from Reuters
