Muan Airport Crash: Did Boeing’s Negligence Cause the Jeju Air Tragedy?
On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities. The tragedy has prompted intense scrutiny of potential safety flaws at the airport and the aircraft’s design. While initial reports pointed to a bird strike as the primary cause, a recent lawsuit filed by the victims’ families alleges that Boeing’s negligence in maintaining and modernizing the aircraft’s systems may have been a significant contributing factor. Could this devastating accident have been prevented?
The Fateful Flight
Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, South Korea. As the aircraft approached Muan International Airport, it experienced a bird strike, with both engines ingesting birds. The pilots declared a mayday and attempted a go-around. During the second landing attempt, the landing gear failed to deploy, leading to a belly landing. The aircraft overran the runway, collided with a concrete berm, and erupted into flames. Only two of the 181 people on board survived.
The Lawsuit Against Boeing
In October 2025, families of 14 victims filed a lawsuit against Boeing in King County Superior Court, alleging that outdated electrical and hydraulic systems caused the fatal accident. The complaint claims the systems, dating back to the 1960s, failed to allow the pilots to safely land the aircraft after the bird strike. The lawsuit argues that Boeing’s shift away from engineering excellence following its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas led to declining safety standards.
Charles Herrmann, the lead attorney representing the plaintiffs, stated, “Rather than admitting its fault in this tragic accident, Boeing resorts to its old, worn out ‘blame the pilots’ tactic. These pilots make easy targets; they perished in the flames with the passengers. They cannot defend themselves.”
The lawsuit details how the bird strike triggered a cascade of failures, including engine shutdowns, electrical failures, and the malfunction of critical systems like landing gear and reverse thrusters. The aircraft was unable to land safely, ultimately crashing and killing 179 people.
Claims of Outdated Systems
The core of the lawsuit against Boeing centers on the allegation that the Boeing 737-800’s electrical and hydraulic systems are based on designs dating back to 1968 and have not been adequately modernized. The families argue that this technological obsolescence contributed directly to the accident. Specifically, the lawsuit claims that the outdated systems failed to activate backup power after the engine malfunction, disabling vital safety systems, including landing gear, brakes, and reverse thrusters, leaving pilots powerless during the emergency landing.
Muan International Airport’s Safety Record
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Muan International Airport has faced scrutiny regarding its safety record. The airport has the highest rate of bird strikes among South Korea’s airports. Between 2019 and August 2024, ten bird strike incidents were reported at Muan, translating to a strike rate of 0.09%, significantly higher than other major airports like Gimpo (0.018%) and Jeju (0.013%).
Safety issues, such as the short runway, insufficient mitigation of bird strike risks, and limited operational experience, have been linked to the airport’s politically driven development. Environmental impact assessments conducted during the airport’s planning phase flagged bird strikes as a significant risk, recommending measures like sound cannons, lasers, and warning lights. However, implementation has been delayed, reportedly due to ongoing runway extension work.
Boeing’s Response and Potential Legal Strategies
Boeing has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the lawsuit. However, reports suggest that the company plans to request that the lawsuits be transferred to South Korea, where compensation laws are less favorable to victims’ families and financial payouts are typically smaller.
Boeing may argue that the accident was primarily caused by the bird strike and subsequent pilot error, potentially pointing to reports suggesting that the pilots mistakenly shut down the wrong engine after the bird strike.
The Investigation
The South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, is currently investigating the crash.
In July 2025, South Korean media reported that ARAIB attributed the crash to one of the pilots turning off the undamaged left engine by mistake rather than the right engine, which had been hit by the bird strike. The idea was criticized by the Jeju Air pilots’ union and the victims’ families, both of which who accused ARAIB of ignoring other possible causes such as the airport barrier. A scheduled release of the report was subsequently withdrawn following protests from the families.
Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) were recovered. However, both stopped functioning a few seconds before the mayday call, potentially due to a loss of all electrical power, including backup.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
The Muan International Airport crash raises critical questions about aviation safety standards, aircraft maintenance, and the role of manufacturers in ensuring the safety of their aircraft. The lawsuit against Boeing could have significant implications for the company and the aviation industry as a whole.
If the court finds Boeing negligent, it could set a precedent for future lawsuits related to aircraft design and maintenance. It may also prompt increased scrutiny of older aircraft models and the need for modernization of critical systems.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, it is essential to understand your legal rights and options.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, potential legal claims may include:
- Negligence: Claims against airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance providers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.
- Product Liability: Claims against aircraft manufacturers for defective design or manufacturing.
- Wrongful Death: Claims brought by the families of victims who died in the accident.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Navigating the legal complexities of an aviation accident can be overwhelming. It is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced aviation accident attorney who can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Determine all potential liable parties.
- Assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Muan Airport crash or any other aviation accident, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We are committed to helping you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.