{"id":104982,"date":"2025-07-27T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=104982"},"modified":"2025-07-27T20:38:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T15:08:55","slug":"jeju-air-probe-reveals-working-engine-during-crash-that-killed-181-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/27\/jeju-air-probe-reveals-working-engine-during-crash-that-killed-181-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeju Air Probe Reveals Working Engine During Crash that Killed 181 People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GWANGJU- <\/strong>A chilling new update in the investigation of the Jeju Air (7C)<\/a> crash at South Korea\u2019s Muan International Airport has revealed that one of the plane\u2019s engines was still operational when it crashed on December 30, 2024. The Boeing 737-800<\/a> was carrying 181 people on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airplane performed a belly landing after a bird strike, overshot the runway, and collided with a concrete embankment. The collision sparked a fireball that claimed all but two lives. This new revelation has intensified scrutiny on the pilots\u2019 decisions and the airport\u2019s safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jeju Air Crash Probe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Korean investigators from the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) released an update on July 19. The report was not publicly shared due to objections from the victims\u2019 families. As per the report, the investigation found that the right engine was in working condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite a \u201csurge\u201d and visible flames and black smoke, it retained enough power to sustain flight. However, the pilots had shut down the left engine 19 seconds after the bird strike, which sustained less damage. The reasons for this choice remain unclear, with the final report due in June 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plane, en route from Bangkok, doubled back to land against its initial runway direction with its landing gear retracted. This move led to the catastrophic impact. Photos in the update show both engines with bird strike damage, but the right engine\u2019s internal harm was more severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts like former U.S. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Greg Feith describe the document as \u201ccryptic.\u201d he noted that it lacks details on the left engine\u2019s performance or connected systems, leaving many questions unanswered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jeju
Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Echoes of Past Tragedies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Jeju Air incident echoes the 1989 Kegworth crash in England, where pilots<\/a> mistakenly shut down a functioning engine on a Boeing 737-400. That incident led to 47 deaths. That disaster prompted global changes, including better crew communication protocols and emergency training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current probe raises similar concerns, with evidence from the cockpit voice recorder, computer data, and a switch in the wreckage suggesting a possible error. Yet, the right engine\u2019s capability to keep the plane aloft adds a layer of complexity, hinting at multiple contributing factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 737-800\u2019s CFM International engines, built by GE and Safran, showed no pre-existing faults beyond bird and crash damage. This was found in the report that was released in the May examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The January preliminary report confirmed duck feathers and blood in both engines, underscoring the bird strike\u2019s role. Jeju Air\u2019s history includes a 2021 tail strike incident at Seoul\u2019s Gimpo Airport, for which it was fined 2.2 billion won for safety violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jeju
Photo: byeangel | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Impact on the airline’s Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The crash, South Korea\u2019s deadliest aviation disaster, has left a scar on public trust. Passengers on Jeju Air\u2019s remaining 737-800s may face heightened anxiety, though the airline continues operations, cooperating with ARAIB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muan Airport, with a 0.09% bird strike rate\u2014higher than major hubs like Gimpo (0.018%)\u2014faces pressure to enhance its bird management. The runway\u2019s code number 4 status requires a 240-meter safety area, but the embankment\u2019s presence has sparked debate over compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victims\u2019 families were briefed on the findings. They have resisted the update\u2019s release, arguing it prematurely points to pilot error without exploring other causes. The Jeju Air pilots\u2019 union counters that ARAIB misleads by downplaying the left engine\u2019s surge, supported by black box data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kin are also pushing for scrutiny of the concrete embankment holding navigation equipment, which experts say has worsened the death toll. South Korea\u2019s transport ministry has identified seven airports, including Muan, with similar rigid structures. There are also plans to replace them with impact-absorbing materials, with designs underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peering into the Future<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With the investigation stretching to June 2026, ARAIB must balance technical analysis with family concerns. The probe may reveal more about pilot decision-making, engine performance, and airport design flaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeju Air\u2019s reputation hangs in the balance, while Boeing and engine makers GE and Safran await scrutiny. Travelers can expect updates on safety measures at Muan, potentially reshaping regional air travel standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jeju Air Crash: Former Korean Airport President Found Dead<\/a><\/blockquote>