Jeju Air Crash Investigation Delayed: Families Demand New Inquiry One Year Later

The Jeju Air crash investigation has reached a critical point. It is now one year after the deadly South Korean aviation disaster. The probe has been significantly delayed. This leaves victims' families still searching for answers.

The accident occurred on December 29, 2024. Jeju Air Flight 2216 was a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It crashed at Muan International Airport. The accident tragically killed 179 people. Only two of the 181 people on board survived. The government-led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) is handling the probe. They will miss the deadline for an interim report.

Investigation Stalls Amid Pilot Blame

Initial findings suggested the cause was bird strikes. The preliminary report was issued in January. It stated both of the plane’s engines sustained bird strikes. A later July report detailed potential pilot error investigation. Investigators suggested pilots mistakenly deactivated the wrong engine. This happened following the initial bird strike. This July report was not released publicly. It faced protests from the victims’ families.

Families believe the investigation is incomplete. They feel the ARAIB is blaming the pilots too heavily. They argue other critical factors are not being analyzed. These factors include airport infrastructure issues. Ryu Kum-Ji lost both of her parents in the crash. She said doubts are "growing bigger and bigger." She added that the frustration continues to build.

The Muan Airport Safety Violation

Attention has turned to the Muan airport retaining wall. South Korea’s anti-corruption body issued a report this week. It found the concrete structure violated national and international standards. Safety rules require such structures to be frangible. This means they must give way upon impact. The violation likely made the disaster far more lethal. This finding supports the families' concerns. They argue the concrete structures beyond the runway were a major factor. This highlights a serious frangible structures violation at the airport.

International Rules and Accountability

The investigation delay violates international norms. The U.N. aviation body, ICAO, sets clear rules. A final report is expected within one year of an accident. If not, a preliminary statement must be made public. This statement should outline progress and emerging safety issues. The ARAIB is not planning to release an update. Officials cite pending legislation as the reason. This legislation is designed to ensure the board's independence. This aircraft accident investigation delay has deepened public distrust.

The families are demanding a proper disclosure of the truth. Ryu Kum-Ji stated: “All we want is for authorities to admit they were wrong.” She seeks an apology and proper disclosure of the truth.

Parliament Launches Independent Inquiry

In response to the mounting pressure, South Korea's parliament acted. They launched a special independent committee. This committee will conduct a separate victims' families demand inquiry. The parliamentary probe will investigate the crash's exact cause. It will also examine potential cover-up attempts by government agencies. This move aims to restore trust. It provides an alternative path for accountability. The parliamentary committee will investigate bird strike management. It will also look at aircraft defects and the concrete embankment. The FAA may also monitor findings for global Boeing 737-800 fleet implications. This independent probe is a major step. It shows the political weight of the Jeju Air crash investigation.

This ongoing situation is a major story in commercial aviation news. It underscores the need for transparent accident investigation. The process must be impartial and timely. This is crucial for both victims' families and global aviation safety standards. The integrity of the ARAIB is now under intense scrutiny. The outcome will set a precedent for future disaster responses.