In Photos: Engine shutdown before crash raises questions in Jeju air tragedy

Updated On: 23 July, 2025 12:59 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Initial findings from the investigation into December`s devastating Jeju Air crash in South Korea reveal that although both of the plane’s engines were damaged by bird strikes, the pilots shut down the less-damaged engine shortly before the crash landing. (Pics/AFP)

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<p>The finding, which implied human errors, drew quick, vehement protests from bereaved families and fellow pilots who accuse authorities of trying to shift responsibility for the disaster to the dead pilots</p>

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The finding, which implied human errors, drew quick, vehement protests from bereaved families and fellow pilots who accuse authorities of trying to shift responsibility for the disaster to the dead pilots

<p>South Korea`s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board initially planned to publicise the results of an investigation of the plane`s engines on Saturday. However, the press briefing was abruptly canceled following strong protests from the victims` families, who had been informed of the results earlier that day, according to government officials and bereaved families</p>

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South Korea`s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board initially planned to publicise the results of an investigation of the plane`s engines on Saturday. However, the press briefing was abruptly canceled following strong protests from the victims` families, who had been informed of the results earlier that day, according to government officials and bereaved families

<p>According to a copy of an unpublished briefing report obtained by The Associated Press, a South Korean-led multilateral investigation team said it found no defects in the plane`s engines built by France`s Safran and General Electric</p>

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According to a copy of an unpublished briefing report obtained by The Associated Press, a South Korean-led multilateral investigation team said it found no defects in the plane`s engines built by France`s Safran and General Electric

<p>The report stated that detailed examinations of the engines revealed the plane’s right engine sustained more severe internal damage after bird strikes, as it was engulfed in large flames and thick black smoke. However, according to findings from the cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, and engine inspections, the pilots shut down the left engine instead</p>

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The report stated that detailed examinations of the engines revealed the plane’s right engine sustained more severe internal damage after bird strikes, as it was engulfed in large flames and thick black smoke. However, according to findings from the cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, and engine inspections, the pilots shut down the left engine instead

<p>Officials earlier said that the `black boxes of the Boeing jetliner stopped recording about four minutes before the accident, complicating investigations into the cause of the disaster. The cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder cited in the briefing report refers to data stored before the recording stopped.`</p>

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Officials earlier said that the `black boxes of the Boeing jetliner stopped recording about four minutes before the accident, complicating investigations into the cause of the disaster. The cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder cited in the briefing report refers to data stored before the recording stopped.`

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The report didn`t say why the pilots shut off the less-damaged engine and stopped short of saying whether it was an error by the pilots

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In Photos: Engine shutdown before crash raises questions in Jeju air tragedy

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Photo of Day

Bliss by the beach