Tags: Aviation Accident, Haneda Airport, Japan Coastguard, JAL Airbus A350
Miscommunication Leads to Collision
Flight voice recordings from the fatal collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport revealed that a Japan Coastguard plane misunderstood a taxi instruction as clearance to enter the runway. The incident involved a Bombardier DHC8-300 and Japan Airlines flight JAL-516, an Airbus A350.
The co-pilot of the coastguard plane correctly repeated the air traffic controller’s instruction to taxi to holding point C5 and wait for clearance. However, internal communications among the crew indicated a mistaken belief that they were authorized to proceed. The plane then entered the runway, where it was struck by the landing JAL jetliner.
A Tragic Outcome
The collision resulted in the deaths of five of the six coastguard crew members. Despite the JAL Airbus A350 catching fire, all 379 passengers and crew aboard escaped unscathed, thanks to the quick actions of the airline’s staff.
Contributing Factors
According to the Japan Transport Safety Board, several factors contributed to the accident:
- Runway Entry Alert Missed: The air traffic controller, focused on monitoring the JAL plane, failed to notice an alert indicating the coastguard plane’s unauthorized entry onto the runway.
- Limited Visibility: The collision occurred after sunset with minimal moonlight, and the runway lights and coastguard plane lights were both white, making it difficult for the JAL crew to visually confirm the plane’s presence.
- Mission Distraction: The coastguard crew’s conversation mainly revolved around their mission to assist earthquake victims, potentially impacting their situational awareness.
Heroic Escape and Lessons Learned
The evacuation of all JAL passengers within 18 minutes was praised as a remarkable feat, highlighting the effectiveness of the crew’s emergency response. This incident underscores the critical importance of precise communication and vigilance in preventing aviation accidents.
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