Pilot Error or Mechanical Failure? The Contentious Debate Surrounding the Jeju Air Crash

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 crashed during landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The aftermath of the crash has ignited a fierce debate: Was it pilot error or mechanical failure that led to this tragic event? Preliminary findings point to a combination of factors, but the question of primary responsibility remains a contentious issue. Understanding the complexities of aviation accident investigations, the potential liabilities, and the legal options available to victims and their families is crucial in the wake of such a disaster.

The Fateful Flight and Initial Findings

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 encountered a flock of birds. Both engines ingested birds, with the right engine sustaining significant damage. In the immediate aftermath, 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 and collided with an embankment, resulting in a devastating fire and explosion.

Initial reports pointed to the bird strike as the primary cause. However, a subsequent interim report by the South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) suggested a more complex scenario. The report indicated that the pilots may have mistakenly shut down the less-damaged left engine instead of the severely damaged right engine. This revelation sparked outrage and disbelief from the victims’ families and fellow pilots, who accused the authorities of unfairly shifting blame onto the deceased pilots.

Pilot Error: A Closer Look

Pilot error, as a factor in aviation accidents, encompasses a range of actions or inactions by the flight crew that contribute to an incident. This can include:

Misinterpreting Instruments: Erroneous readings or misjudgment of critical flight data.
Poor Decision-Making: Incorrectly assessing situations and making inappropriate choices.
Procedural Errors: Skipping steps or failing to follow established protocols.
Inadequate Communication: Miscommunication between pilots, air traffic control, or other crew members.

In the case of the Jeju Air crash, the interim report’s suggestion that the pilots shut down the wrong engine raises serious questions about decision-making under pressure. The report indicated that cockpit voice recordings and flight data confirmed that the pilots mistakenly shut down the left engine, which was still functioning, while the right engine, which had ingested birds, continued to fail. If confirmed, this would indicate that pilot error contributed, at least in part, to the crash.

However, it’s important to consider the circumstances under which these decisions were made. The pilots were facing an emergency situation with a damaged engine, and the stress and pressure of the moment could have contributed to the error. It is also worth noting that the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder stopped functioning a few seconds before the mayday call.

Mechanical Failure: A Systemic Issue

Mechanical failure, on the other hand, involves malfunctions or defects in the aircraft’s systems or components. This can include:

Design Flaws: Deficiencies in the aircraft’s design that make it prone to failure.
Manufacturing Defects: Errors in the manufacturing process that compromise the integrity of the aircraft.
Maintenance Issues: Negligence in maintaining the aircraft, leading to worn or damaged parts.

While the interim report focused on potential pilot error, the victims’ families and other aviation experts have raised concerns about possible mechanical failures that may have contributed to the crash. Some have pointed to the aircraft’s outdated electrical and hydraulic systems, arguing that these systems may have failed to perform as intended during the emergency.

Additionally, questions have been raised about the presence of a concrete structure near the runway, which the aircraft collided with after overrunning the runway. Critics argue that this structure should have been made of more easily breakable materials to minimize the impact of a crash.

The Intersection of Human Error and Mechanical Failure

Aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single cause. More often, they are the result of a complex interplay of factors, including human error, mechanical failure, and environmental conditions. In such cases, determining liability can be a challenging task.

When both pilot error and mechanical failure contribute to an accident, a legal principle known as “comparative fault” may come into play. This doctrine assigns liability to each party in proportion to their respective contributions to the incident. For example, a pilot may be found 35 percent at fault for losing control of a plane, while a manufacturer could be 65 percent at fault for defective landing gear.

Legal Consequences and Liability

The legal consequences of an aviation accident can be far-reaching. For the pilot, being found negligent or reckless could result in civil liability, the loss of a professional license, and even criminal charges. For manufacturers or airlines, a finding of mechanical failure could lead to massive financial settlements, regulatory penalties, and damage to their reputation.

In the case of the Jeju Air crash, potential liable parties could include:

The Pilot: If pilot error is determined to be a contributing factor.
Jeju Air: For improper training, inadequate maintenance, or scheduling errors that led to pilot fatigue.
Boeing (the aircraft manufacturer): If a design flaw or manufacturing defect is found to have contributed to the crash.
Air Traffic Controllers: If mistakes by air traffic control, such as miscommunication or improper instructions, are found to be a contributing factor.

Victims and their families have the right to pursue legal action against any parties found to be liable for the accident. This can include filing personal injury claims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability and rehabilitation costs. In the event of a fatality, families can file wrongful death claims to cover funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional distress.

The Ongoing Investigation and the Pursuit of Justice

As of October 2025, the investigation into the Jeju Air crash is still ongoing. The ARAIB is expected to release its final report in June 2026. In the meantime, families of the victims have filed lawsuits against Boeing, alleging that manufacturing defects contributed to the crash. These lawsuits highlight the families’ determination to hold all responsible parties accountable and to seek justice for their loved ones.

The debate surrounding the Jeju Air crash underscores the complexities of aviation accident investigations and the challenges of determining liability when multiple factors are at play. Whether it was pilot error, mechanical failure, or a combination of both, the victims and their families deserve a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced aviation accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal complexities of aviation litigation, and pursue the compensation you deserve.