The families of those killed in the tragic Jeju Air plane crash in December 2024 have filed a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including South Korea’s transport minister and the airline’s CEO, for alleged professional negligence.
What Happened in the Jeju Air Crash?
On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft belly-landed after striking a bird, and the landing gear failed to deploy. The plane overran the runway, collided with a concrete structure, and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers.
Criminal Complaint Filed
The 72 bereaved relatives have now called for a more thorough investigation into the crash, citing negligent management of preventable risks. Among those named in the complaint are airline officials, government officials, and airport staff responsible for the airport’s safety measures, including bird control and runway maintenance. Read more on the Jeju Air crash investigation here.
Family’s Statement on the Incident
Kim Da-hye, one of the relatives, expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. The complaint calls into question the appropriateness of the air traffic control response and whether the runway’s construction violated regulations.
Bird Strike Investigation
Earlier investigations confirmed that the aircraft struck a bird shortly before the crash, with bird feathers found in both engines. However, the extent to which the bird strike contributed to the crash is still under review. Learn more about bird strike safety investigations from NASA.
The Online Hate Towards Victims
In addition to their grief, many victims’ families have faced online harassment, including malicious jokes and derogatory posts accusing them of exaggerating their pain for compensation. This has led to significant emotional distress for the families involved.
Conclusion
The families remain determined to seek justice, and the complaint underscores the need for greater accountability in aviation safety. As the investigation continues, the impact of the tragedy is felt far beyond South Korea’s borders. Follow the ongoing investigation updates on Aviation Safety Network.
For further information on aviation safety investigations, visit our article on aviation safety investigations.
