Crash of Jeju Air flight in December 2024 that killed 179 people has prompted South Korea’s parliament to pass a bill establishing an independent inquiry, with an 18-member panel tasked to investigate possible causes including bird strikes, engine failures, and the embankment the aircraft struck at the end of the runway, while the investigation will also examine whether government agencies attempted to cover up findings during the official probe.
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Probe comes after the government-led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board’s interim report found that both engines sustained bird strikes, yet the left engine was shut down despite sustaining less damage than the right, which could have allowed the plane to remain airborne, and experts also noted that the embankment supporting airport navigation equipment did not meet global standards designed to give way safely during impact, raising concerns over infrastructure safety.
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Investigation panel will review whether adequate preventive measures were taken against bird strike risks, assess mechanical and procedural lapses, and evaluate airport safety protocols, while authorities stress that most air accidents result from multiple factors and incomplete evidence should not lead to premature conclusions, ensuring the final report considers all angles for accountability and future safety improvements.
Public and aviation experts await the findings as Jeju Air’s Boeing 737-800 belly-landed after an aborted landing, overshot the runway, and erupted in flames with only two survivors, making this the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil and highlighting the urgency of transparent investigation and enhanced aviation safety measures nationwide.