Communication Gap Possibly Caused Tokyo Airport Collision, According to Air Traffic Control Transcript
A recent transcript of air traffic control communications suggests that the deadly runway collision at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport may have been caused by a communication gap. The collision occurred when a Japan Airlines passenger plane struck a Japanese coast guard aircraft, resulting in a fireball.
The transcript reveals that the Japan Airlines flight had received clearance to land, but the coast guard aircraft had not been given explicit takeoff clearance. Instead, it was instructed to “taxi to holding point.” The collision occurred approximately two minutes after this instruction.
The incident is currently under investigation by Japanese authorities. They plan to analyze audio recordings of the conversation between the coast guard pilot and the flight control tower to determine the cause of the accident.
Efforts are being made to retrieve the voice and flight recorders from the coast guard aircraft, while the search for the Japan Airlines plane’s recorders is ongoing.
Public records indicate that the runway stop bar lights, which are designed to prevent aircraft from entering runways accidentally, may have been out of service. This will be investigated as part of the collision inquiry.
Japan Airlines has stated that its crew received clearance to land before the collision occurred. The crew’s audio recording confirms their acknowledgment of the clearance order for the runway.
The airline is expecting significant losses, estimated up to $100 million, due to the accident. This includes flight cancellations, with over 100 flights already canceled and more expected.
Fortunately, all 379 passengers on board the Japan Airlines plane were safely evacuated. Only one person received minor bruises, while 13 sought medical consultation for discomfort. The evacuation was completed in just 18 minutes, with flight attendants quickly noticing the fire and initiating emergency exit procedures.
The Airbus A350 used for the flight had eight emergency exits, and evacuation began through two front exits and one rear exit away from the fire. The captain was the last to leave the plane after ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
