TLDR;
This video discusses the ongoing investigation into the crash of Jedju Flight 2216, highlighting new findings and controversies surrounding the incident. The initial assessment pointed to a bird strike as the primary cause, but recent evidence suggests a more complex scenario, including the possibility of the pilots shutting down the wrong engine. The video also addresses the concerns raised by the families of the victims and pilot unions regarding the investigation's handling and the potential overlooking of systemic factors.
- New findings suggest pilots may have shut down the wrong engine.
- Families and pilot unions criticize the investigation's handling and potential bias.
- Systemic factors, such as airport infrastructure and wildlife control, are being questioned.
Recap of the Jedju Flight 2216 Crash [1:46]
Jedju Flight 2216, operated by a Boeing 737-800, crashed on December 29, 2024, during its final approach to Muan Airport in South Korea. The flight, originating from Bangkok, had 173 passengers and eight crew members on board. The crew reported a bird strike and declared an emergency before attempting a go-around and then landing on the opposite runway with the landing gear retracted. The aircraft overran the runway, collided with a concrete structure housing the ILS localizer antenna, and was destroyed, resulting in 179 fatalities and only two flight attendants surviving. The airport was shut down for nearly two months following the accident.
Initial Investigation and Findings [3:22]
The investigation, led by South Korea's Aviation and Railroad Accident Investigation Board (ARIB) with assistance from the NTSB and Boeing, confirmed that the aircraft suffered a bird strike involving Bol teal. Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) stopped recording approximately four minutes before the accident due to a loss of electrical power. A preliminary report indicated that the plane had no landing gear extended, no flaps or slats deployed, and touched down well beyond the normal landing zone. The initial theory focused on a severe bird strike triggering a cascade of failures.
Interim Technical Update and Controversial Findings [5:24]
By mid-2025, investigators conducted deeper system analysis, focusing on the engines, electrical, and hydraulic systems. An interim technical update prepared by the ARIB indicated that the evidence suggested the flight crew shut down the left engine, which was the only engine providing sufficient thrust at the time. Wreckage analysis showed the left engine start lever was moved to the off position, stopping fuel flow. The right engine, which had ingested more birds and showed signs of fire, was left running. This raised the possibility that the crew shut down the wrong engine, leading to the loss of electrical power, failure to extend flaps and gear, and the high-speed, long landing.
Reactions to the Interim Findings [8:44]
The interim findings caused strong reactions, especially after the ARIB briefed victims' families and the media. Families objected to the update, feeling it blamed the crew without sufficient supporting data. Pilot associations, including the Korean Pilot Union Alliance and the JU Air Pilot Union, accused the ARIB of rushing to judgment and undermining trust in the investigation. They argued that the findings only told part of the story and didn't explain why the crew made that decision or whether they had enough information in the cockpit to correctly diagnose the situation.
Systemic Factors and Broader Issues [12:57]
Pilot unions and others expressed concerns that systemic factors were being sidelined. Muan Airport was known for having an elevated bird strike risk due to its location near wetlands and migratory bird habitat. At the time of the crash, the airport's wildlife control staffing was below the minimum standard required by regulation. Additionally, when Flight 2216 overran the runway, it collided with a non-frangible concrete structure housing the airport's instrument landing systems localizer antenna, which contributed to the severity of the crash.
Current Status and Future Expectations [21:00]
The ARIB has stepped back from publicly discussing the interim engine findings, stating that the information shared in July was only part of an ongoing investigation. There is a sense that trust in the process has been shaken across both the families and the South Korean aviation community. The final report, expected by mid-2026, is anticipated to address all outstanding questions, including the role of the bird strike, the status of both engines, the loss of electrical power, and any decision-making breakdowns in the cockpit. Many have also asked for the raw CVR and FDR data to be released or reviewed by independent experts to ensure full transparency and confidence in the process.