Japanese Airplane Incident: Coast Guard Plane Attempted Runway Without Clearance; Airliner's Landing Authorized
On Wednesday, authorities reported that air traffic control had granted clearance for a Japan Airlines plane to land at Tokyo's Haneda Airport just before it collided with a coast guard aircraft that had been directed to stay clear of the runway.
Tragically, the crash resulted in the loss of five crew members aboard the Japan Coast Guard aircraft, with the pilot sustaining injuries. The coast guard plane, scheduled to provide aid after a recent earthquake on the country's West Coast, was preparing for takeoff from the same runway where the airliner was landing.
"According to interviews with the operating crew, they acknowledged and reiterated the landing permission from air traffic control, and then proceeded with the approach and landing procedures," stated Japan Airlines in a Wednesday statement.
Before the aircraft was consumed by flames on Runway C, all passengers and crew members on the airliner were successfully evacuated.
Details of the fiery plane crash at Japan's Haneda Airport are illustrated in graphics, outlining the sequence of events leading to the collision.
Transcript shows coast guard plane was not cleared for takeoff
The transcript from air traffic control communication, released by the Transport Ministry, reveals that the Japan Coast Guard plane did not receive explicit approval for takeoff. Instead, the Japan Airlines jet was granted clearance to land, while the coast guard plane was instructed to hold short of the runway. During the communication, the air traffic controller mentioned that the coast guard had departure priority, and the pilot indicated heading to the stop line.
Communication ceased after that point, and approximately two minutes later, the collision occurred.
The Japan Transport Safety Board initiated its investigation on Wednesday, intending to interview the pilots of both aircraft. Meanwhile, a separate investigation by the police will focus on potential negligence.
The announcement system of Japan Airlines experienced a malfunction during the evacuation.
Following its departure from New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido at 4:15 p.m. local time, the aircraft flew smoothly before landing on Runway C at Haneda Airport. The collision with the coast guard plane occurred at approximately 5:47 p.m., as reported by Japan Airlines.
The statement further emphasized that the aircraft encountered no issues or irregularities during its departure from New Chitose Airport and throughout the flight.
Both planes ignited in flames, with video footage capturing a significant plume of smoke and flames emerging as the airliner touched down and proceeded along the runway. Tragically, officials confirmed the discovery of five deceased crew members aboard the coast guard plane.
When attempting to use the announcement system for evacuation on the Japan Airlines plane, crew members faced a malfunction, as reported by the airline.
In response, the crew resorted to providing instructions using a megaphone and their voices, determining safe exits for evacuation. All 359 adult passengers, including eight infants, three cockpit crew members, and nine cabin crew members, successfully evacuated through three emergency exits before the plane was engulfed in flames. The airline declared the airliner a "total loss."
During the evacuation, one person sustained bruising, and 13 others requested medical consultation due to physical discomfort.
A statement from Japan Airlines expressed sincere apologies for the considerable concerns and inconveniences caused to passengers, their families, and everyone involved. The airline pledged full cooperation in the investigation of the incident.
Contributing to this report: The Associated Press.
Christopher Cann is a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY.
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