On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. It was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korean history.
The interim report from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), presented to victims’ families on July 19, 2025, has ignited fierce debate.
While the report points to pilot error as a possible cause, families and experts argue it overlooks critical factors.
Here’s what is known about the findings, the controversy, and the ongoing investigation.
Key Findings of the Interim Report
The ARAIB’s interim report suggests the crash may have stemmed from a critical mistake by the pilots.
Initially, a bird strike damaged the aircraft’s right engine during its approach to Muan Airport. After this, the pilots reportedly shut down the left engine—the operational one—instead of the damaged right engine.
Evidence includes cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and the physical position of the fuel cutoff switch for the left engine.
This error led to a total loss of thrust, causing the plane to lose power to vital systems, including the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR).
These stopped functioning at 8:58:50 a.m., about four minutes before the crash, at an altitude of 152 meters and a speed of 161 knots.
The aircraft then landed with undercarriage retracted, and collided with a concrete embankment housing the airport’s localizer system.
This impact likely worsened the crash’s severity, as the rigid structure caused catastrophic damage.
A preliminary report in January 2025 confirmed bird strikes on both engines, with DNA from Baikal teal ducks found in the wreckage.
The right engine suffered significant damage, while the left was less affected but still contained bird remains.
Controversy Surrounding the Report
The interim findings have faced sharp criticism, leading the ARAIB to cancel a planned press briefing on July 19, 2025.
Victims’ families and the Jeju Air pilots’ union argue the report prematurely blames the pilots without fully exploring other factors.
Families called the focus on pilot error “irresponsible,” emphasizing that aviation disasters often result from multiple causes.
The union accused the ARAIB of shielding government agencies and the Korea Airports Corporation. The corporation manages Muan Airport and is under police investigation for possible negligence.
A key point of contention is the concrete embankment. Critics argue its rigid design and placement near the runway exacerbated the crash’s impact.
The localizer system, critical for guiding aircraft, was housed in this structure, raising questions about airport safety standards.
Muan Airport also has a higher bird strike rate (0.09%) than other South Korean airports, prompting scrutiny of its wildlife management practices.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Questions
The ARAIB, assisted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, the FAA, and Boeing, continues to investigate. Both engines were analyzed in France in March 2025, confirming no pre-existing mechanical issues.
The probe is now examining crew training, emergency response procedures, and Muan Airport’s infrastructure, including the localizer’s placement and bird strike prevention measures.
The Boeing 737-800 involved lacked a mandated backup power system for its black boxes, a requirement introduced after 2010, which may have contributed to the loss of critical data.
Families and the pilots’ union demand a more transparent investigation. They argue that focusing solely on pilot error oversimplifies a complex tragedy.
The ARAIB has not yet publicly released the interim report due to the backlash. The final report, per International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines, is expected within a year of the crash.
Conclusion
The Jeju Air crash has exposed gaps in aviation safety, from airport design to wildlife management. As the investigation continues, pressure is mounting for a comprehensive analysis that addresses all factors, not just human error.
The families’ grief and demand for answers underscore the need for accountability.
Until the final report is released, questions about Muan Airport’s safety measures, the embankment’s role, and the pilots’ actions will persist.
