The recent investigation into the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash, which occurred in December 2024 at Muan International Airport, has uncovered critical insights into the last moments before the disastrous landing. Initial reports indicate that the crew opted to shut down the less-damaged left engine after a bird strike affected both engines; however, this decision may have led to devastating consequences during the emergency landing.
The aircraft operated with only its badly damaged right engine still functioning and ultimately caught fire. With limited electrical power available, the plane attempted a landing without deploying its landing gear, resulting in a belly slide that could not be controlled. Tragically, this led to the plane striking a concrete wall after skidding off the runway, claiming 179 lives, with only two flight attendants surviving the incident.
According to sources close to the investigation, the choice to disable the left engine likely hindered the aircraft's thrust and electrical systems, complicating the pilots' ability to effectively execute a safe landing. Final analyses from U.S. aviation experts suggest that while it remains too early for definitive conclusions, the pilots may have misidentified the engine requiring shutdown due to the immediate circumstances following the bird strike.
Joe Jacobsen, an aviation safety specialist with extensive background at both Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, emphasized the importance of detailed cockpit data. He noted that if the pilots lost visual indicators of engine performance after the strike, it would have severely hampered their decision-making during this critical phase.
As the investigation progresses and interim reports are delivered to the victims' families, further scrutiny is anticipated regarding the actions taken by the flight crew in response to mechanical failures exacerbated by external conditions. The research seeks to ascertain the reliability of the cockpit displays and the effectiveness of existing safety protocols in similar situations, as the aviation community and the families of victims await clearer answers.
The aircraft operated with only its badly damaged right engine still functioning and ultimately caught fire. With limited electrical power available, the plane attempted a landing without deploying its landing gear, resulting in a belly slide that could not be controlled. Tragically, this led to the plane striking a concrete wall after skidding off the runway, claiming 179 lives, with only two flight attendants surviving the incident.
According to sources close to the investigation, the choice to disable the left engine likely hindered the aircraft's thrust and electrical systems, complicating the pilots' ability to effectively execute a safe landing. Final analyses from U.S. aviation experts suggest that while it remains too early for definitive conclusions, the pilots may have misidentified the engine requiring shutdown due to the immediate circumstances following the bird strike.
Joe Jacobsen, an aviation safety specialist with extensive background at both Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, emphasized the importance of detailed cockpit data. He noted that if the pilots lost visual indicators of engine performance after the strike, it would have severely hampered their decision-making during this critical phase.
As the investigation progresses and interim reports are delivered to the victims' families, further scrutiny is anticipated regarding the actions taken by the flight crew in response to mechanical failures exacerbated by external conditions. The research seeks to ascertain the reliability of the cockpit displays and the effectiveness of existing safety protocols in similar situations, as the aviation community and the families of victims await clearer answers.
