Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash Caused by Pilot Error and Bird Strike

Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash: Pilot Error in Engine Shutdown After Bird Strike

The crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29, 2024, has become one of the most scrutinized aviation disasters in South Korea’s history. The flight, en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport, ended in tragedy after a dual engine failure and a series of missteps during emergency procedures. The South Korea-led investigation has revealed that the pilots shut down the less-damaged engine following a bird strike, a decision that critically contributed to the loss of all thrust and the eventual crash.

This article examines the background of the incident, the investigation’s findings, industry reactions, and the broader implications for aviation safety. We aim to present a balanced, evidence-based overview grounded in verified data and expert analysis.

Background of the Jeju Air Crash

Jeju Air Flight 2216 was a scheduled passenger flight operated by a Boeing 737-800. On December 29, 2024, while approaching Muan International Airport, the aircraft encountered a bird strike involving migratory Baikal teal ducks. Both engines ingested birds, but only the right engine sustained critical damage. The aircraft lost thrust and failed to deploy its landing gear, ultimately skidding off the runway and catching fire upon impact with a concrete barrier.

Of the 181 people on board, 179 lost their lives. The only survivors were two flight attendants who managed to escape the wreckage. This made the crash one of the deadliest in South Korea’s aviation history. Investigators quickly focused on the sequence of events following the bird strike, particularly the pilots’ decision-making under pressure.

Initial findings highlighted long-standing concerns about Muan Airport’s vulnerability to bird strikes. Environmental assessments dating back over a decade had flagged the airport’s proximity to wetlands and migratory paths as a high-risk factor. In fact, a bird-strike prevention committee convened just ten days before the crash, acknowledging the lack of personnel and ineffective deterrent systems. Despite this, no significant changes were implemented before the incident.

Bird Strike and Engine Shutdown Sequence

Flight data and cockpit voice recordings revealed that after the bird strike, the flight crew mistakenly shut down the left engine, which remained operational, instead of the right engine, which was critically damaged. The captain issued the command to shut down engine number two (the right engine), but the fuel cutoff switch for engine number one (the left engine) was activated instead. The fire extinguisher was also discharged on the left engine, effectively eliminating all available thrust.

This error severely compromised the aircraft’s ability to maintain altitude and speed. Compounding the problem, the landing gear was never deployed. The aircraft attempted a belly landing at high speed, which led to the runway overrun and collision with a concrete barrier. The lack of thrust and gear deployment created a scenario from which recovery was virtually impossible.

The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) confirmed these findings in its interim report released in July 2025. The report emphasized that the left engine was fully functional prior to being shut down and that the right engine had failed due to the bird strike. The investigation also noted that the landing gear lever was never activated during the emergency procedures.

“Shutting down the wrong engine reflects breakdowns in cockpit coordination and procedural discipline during cascading emergencies.”, John Cox, former crash investigator

Expert Reactions and Industry Criticism

The interim report sparked significant backlash from victims’ families, pilot associations, and aviation experts. The Korea Civil Aviation Pilots Association criticized the investigation for focusing too heavily on pilot error while ignoring systemic issues, including airport safety and infrastructure. Families of the victims also expressed frustration over the ARAIB’s reluctance to release complete flight recorder data and accused the agency of downplaying the role of the concrete barrier in exacerbating fatalities.

Independent aviation analysts have pointed out that bird strikes alone typically do not result in complete loss of aircraft control. Alvin Lie, an aviation analyst, remarked that landing gear failures are not commonly associated with bird strikes and suggested that other factors, such as crew disorientation or procedural lapses, likely contributed to the crash. Matt Driskill, editor of Asian Aviation, noted that the high-speed belly landing indicated significant deviations from standard emergency protocols.

Experts have also highlighted deficiencies in crew resource management (CRM). The pilots did not follow standard checklists and made unconventional maneuvers after the bird strike, including a climb and a downwind landing attempt. These actions reduced the time available for corrective measures and increased the risk of a catastrophic outcome.

Global Context and Bird Strike Mitigation

Bird strikes are a well-documented hazard in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were over 19,000 bird strikes in 2023, with a notable increase attributed to climate change and urban sprawl affecting bird migration patterns. Globally, bird strikes cause more than $1.2 billion in damages annually.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends wildlife hazard assessments and the use of radar and thermal imaging systems for real-time bird detection. However, only a minority of airports worldwide have implemented these technologies. Muan Airport, for instance, relied on periodic patrols and loudspeakers, methods considered outdated and insufficient by modern safety standards.

In the aftermath of the crash, South Korea mandated the installation of bird-detection radar at all domestic airports by March 2025. This move aligns with practices at major international hubs such as JFK and Denver, where integrated detection and deterrent systems are already in place. These systems combine radar, AI, and habitat management to reduce bird strike risks effectively.

Conclusion

The Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash was a tragic convergence of human error and systemic failures. While the immediate cause was the shutdown of the wrong engine, deeper issues such as inadequate bird strike prevention, insufficient training, and flawed airport infrastructure played significant roles. The incident underscores the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and the need for real-time hazard detection systems.

Going forward, the aviation industry must prioritize proactive risk management, especially in regions with known environmental hazards. Regulatory bodies should enforce ICAO standards more rigorously, and airlines must invest in CRM training that prepares crews for complex, high-stress scenarios. Transparency in investigations and infrastructure audits will also be key to restoring public trust and preventing future tragedies.

FAQ

What caused the crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216?
The crash was caused by a combination of a bird strike that damaged the right engine and a pilot error that led to the shutdown of the functional left engine, resulting in total thrust loss.

How many people died in the crash?
179 of the 181 people on board died. Only two flight attendants survived.

What safety measures are being implemented post-crash?
South Korea is mandating bird-detection radar at all domestic airports and revising pilot training protocols to include more intensive emergency response simulations.

Reuters,
FAA,
ICAO,
Asian Aviation