Tensions mount over Jeju Air crash as families demand new inquiry amid year-long delay

The South Korean investigation into the Jeju Air (089590.KS) crash that killed 179 people has reached a point of high tension; the probe has been delayed, leaving victims’ families still searching for answers.

According to Reuters, the country’s investigation board will not be in a position to release the interim report by Monday, the first anniversary of the aviation disaster.

Meanwhile the government led Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) said in an interim report in January that both of the plane’s engines sustained bird strikes.

Investigators stated in a July report that the pilots mistakenly deactivated the wrong engine following the bird strike; however, the report was not released publicly due to protests from the victims’ families.

They further stated that some family members believe the investigation is blaming the pilots without analyzing other factors, such as the concrete structures beyond the end of the runway that likely made the disaster more lethal.

In this connection, a 42-year-old woman, Ryu Kum-Ji who lost both of her parents in the crash said, “It feels like all kinds of doubts are growing bigger and bigger. In the meantime, a year has gone by, and it feels like the frustration is also continuing to build.”

According to U.N. aviation body rules, a final report is expected to be released within a year of an accident, and if that is not possible, a preliminary statement should be made public on every anniversary, outlining the progress of the investigation and emerging safety issues.

The investigation board is not specifically planning to release an update due to pending legislation designed to ensure its independence, according to statements from officials.

South Korea’s anti-corruption body has found in a report this week that the retaining wall at Muan airport violated national and international standards, which require such to be “frangible”, so they give way upon impact.

The board had earlier planned to hold public hearings in early December but postponed them at the request of the victims’ families and policymakers.

Additionally, Ryu said, “All we want is for authorities to admit they were wrong- if they did wrong and apologize. Apology and a proper disclosure of the truth…”