Colleagues Disclose Details About Jeju Air Pilot Involved In Tragic Crash
This article is part of our coverage of Jeju Air Flight 2216's Deadly Crash. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
New details have emerged about the pilot of the Jeju Air flight involved in a tragic crash on December 29.
Captain Han was a 45-year-old pilot who had previously served in the Air Force and had over 6,800 hours of flight time under his belt. Serving as a captain for the past five years, Captain Han was known among his peers for his professionalism and unwavering commitment to safety.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Captain Han began his career with Jeju Air in 2014 and was promoted to captain in 2019. Of his extensive flight experience, roughly 2,500 hours were spent as captain.
Former colleagues recalled him as a skilled and disciplined pilot. One individual (referred to as Mr. Lee) who worked with Captain Han during his time as a flight instructor in 2012 described him as someone who strictly followed protocols and prioritized safety above all else.
I remember Captain Han (then an instructor) as someone who strictly adhered to regulations and procedures and never compromised when it came to safety. I first saw the breaking news about the accident on the morning of December 29, and later found out that Captain Han was piloting that aircraft. My heart felt like it was being torn apart.
While the cause of the accident will only become clear after a thorough investigation, it seems that several worst-case conditions converged simultaneously to result in this tragedy. I hope the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Committee of MOLIT quickly determines the exact cause.
— Mr. Lee
Another pilot who had flown with Captain Han also praised the late pilot and said the crash footage suggested that he maintained control of the plane until the very end.
Captain Han was not only a skilled pilot but also diligent and a good person. It’s truly heartbreaking. I heard the news of the accident mid-flight yesterday, and it was devastating.
Watching the footage of the accident, it seems Captain Han never let go of control until the very end. There’s a maneuver called reverse thrust to reduce speed, and it looks like he kept engaging it until the very moment of impact. Thinking about what must have been going through his mind in those final moments is incredibly painful.
— Captain A
“Captain A” also directly called out those who have put blame on the pilot without fully understanding the situation yet.
I saw a news report blaming Captain Han for not dumping fuel, but the aircraft involved in the accident doesn’t have that capability. I know this because I operate the same model.
— Captain A
May he rest in peace.
