TOKYO, Japan – A Japan Airlines plane miraculously escaped disaster after hitting another aircraft while landing at Haneda airport in Tokyo, then hurtling down the runway in flames. The incident resulted in the tragic death of five of the six crew from the other aircraft, as reported by The Guardian.
The successful evacuation of all 379 passengers and crew from the Japan Airlines plane has been widely praised. The collision occurred as the twin-engine airliner landed at Haneda airport, causing extensive damage to both aircraft.
According to a transport ministry official, there were no reported engine or other problems before the Japan Airlines flight 516 touched down. Footage from the airport indicated that the passenger plane collided with an object during landing, possibly the coastguard aircraft still on the runway or in close proximity. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, with the Japan Transport Safety Board, police, and other agencies involved in the probe.
The Japan Airlines Airbus A350 had departed from New Chitose airport on the northern island of Hokkaido and landed in Haneda shortly before 6pm local time. At the same time, the coastguard aircraft, a Bombardier-built Dash-8, was en route to Niigata airport on Japan’s west coast to deliver aid to those affected by a recent earthquake.
Passengers on the Japan Airlines plane were seen running across the tarmac away from the aircraft using the evacuation slide. More than 70 fire engines worked to extinguish the flames, and all 367 passengers and 12 crew members were able to escape. However, at least 17 of the evacuated individuals sustained injuries.
The incident caused Haneda airport to close for several hours, with both flights operating during the busy new year holiday travel period. The severity of the damage to both aircraft is a reminder of the potential dangers in aviation, and the importance of quick and effective responses during emergencies.