South Korea Parliament Launches Independent Inquiry into Deadly [Jeju

South Korea’s parliament has launched an independent inquiry into the nation's deadliest air disaster. The probe follows the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 on December 29, 2024. The accident at Muan International Airport killed 179 of the 181 people on board. This parliamentary action comes amid accusations of investigation delays and cover-ups.

Nearly a year after the crash, the families' anger focuses on the official inquiry. This investigation is being conducted by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB).

Structural Conflict and International Standards

The core controversy is the ARAIB's reporting structure. The board reports directly to South Korea’s transport ministry. This ministry is the same government department responsible for airport safety. It is also responsible for the concrete structure the aircraft struck.

Families argue this creates a “structural contradiction”. They claim the investigation target is effectively investigating itself. This structure is seen as violating international aviation standards for independence. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 mandates that accident investigation authorities must be independent. They must be separate from State aviation authorities to ensure objectivity.

In response to this pressure, the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee recently passed an amendment. This change is expected to shift the ARAIB to the Prime Minister’s Office. This move aims to establish greater investigative independence.

The Muan Airport Safety Question

The fatal crash occurred after the aircraft reported a bird strike during landing. The Boeing 737-800 belly-landed successfully but then overran the runway. It struck a concrete embankment at the runway’s end and caught fire.

Investigators are examining potential bird strike mismanagement at the airport. Data shows Muan International Airport has the highest bird strike rate among regional Korean airports. Its rate is 0.09% of all flights. This is significantly higher than major hubs like Gimpo and Jeju.

Concerns have also been raised about the Bird Alert Team (BAT) staffing. Reports indicate only one BAT member was on duty during the incident. A 2020 government report had previously warned of substantial bird strike danger at the airport.

Transparency Battles and Key Allegations

The official investigation has been marked by repeated battles over transparency. The government cancelled planned public hearings earlier this month. These hearings were intended to present interim findings. Families called the planned proceedings a “self-investigation” designed to “downplay and cover up the disaster”.

In July, families claimed investigators briefed them on a preliminary finding. This finding reportedly blamed pilot error. The alleged error was mistakenly shutting down a functioning engine after the bird strike. Furthermore, a planned re-examination of aircraft wreckage was cancelled. This followed investigators' refusal to let families photograph the process.

Under ICAO regulations, an interim statement must be released by December 29. This is required if a final report is not yet possible.

Parliamentary Probe and Industry Impact

The 18-member parliamentary committee will spend 40 days on its probe. The committee has powers to summon officials from the transport ministry and Jeju Air. The investigation will examine the concrete embankment, bird-strike protocols, and alleged government attempts to minimize findings.

This controversy reflects broader public distrust in South Korea's disaster response. It echoes past struggles for accountability following the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking and the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush. The outcome of this Jeju Air crash independent inquiry is vital. It will determine the future of aviation accident investigation independence in South Korea. The results will impact how all aviation stakeholders, from airlines to regulators, manage safety and transparency. Read more commercial aviation news and updates on this developing story.