TOKYO, Japan – A coastguard plane crashed into a Japan Airlines flight at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, resulting in the death of five people on board of the smaller aircraft. The incident occurred as the coastguard plane was preparing to take off for Niigata to deliver aid following a recent earthquake. The Japan Airlines Airbus A350, carrying 379 passengers, managed to evacuate all passengers and crew despite bursting into flames.
Authorities have revealed that the coastguard aircraft had not been cleared for takeoff at the time of the crash, raising questions about how the two planes ended up on the same runway. Initial transcripts suggest that the JAL flight had been given permission to land, while the coastguard aircraft had been instructed to taxi to a holding point near the runway. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision.
The captain of the small aircraft claimed to have entered the runway after receiving permission, contradicting air traffic control instructions. Meanwhile, agencies in France and the UK, where the Airbus and its engines were manufactured, are assisting with the investigation. Additionally, the Japan Safety Transport Board has obtained the voice recorder from the coastguard aircraft to aid in the investigation.
Tokyo police are also looking into the possibility of professional negligence contributing to the crash, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Aviation analysts have suggested that multiple factors may have led to the accident, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In summary, a tragic collision between a coastguard plane and a Japan Airlines flight has resulted in loss of life and raised concerns about air traffic control and safety protocols at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. Investigations are underway to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future.