South Korean investigators have uncovered clear evidence that Jeju Air pilots mistakenly shut down the less-damaged engine following a bird strike, moments before the fatal crash on December 29, 2024, at Muan Airport, according to a source close to the probe.
Key findings
- Cockpit voice recorder, flight computer data, and a physical engine switch indicate the left engine was shut down, though the right engine had suffered greater damage.
- No mechanical defects were found in either engine prior to the bird strike.
- The crash of the Boeing 737-800 killed 179 of 181 passengers and crew, making it the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil.
The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) has not yet released an official report, but investigators have briefed victims’ families. The briefing confirmed the right engine sustained more severe damage and that pilots likely misidentified the failing engine during emergency procedures.
Jeju Air stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation. A final report is expected within a year, in line with international aviation protocols.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pilot response to in-flight emergencies and the role of human error in aviation accidents.