On Monday, January 8, 2024, a Japan Airlines aircraft departed from the runway at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, where a plane collision occurred. The airport is returning to regular operations a week after a tragic incident involving a Japan Airlines plane and a Coast Guard aircraft, which was determined to result from human error. This information was reported by Kyodo News via AP.
In a significant development, Haneda Airport in Tokyo has resumed normal operations, reopening its last runway a week after a tragic collision involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) airliner and a Coast Guard aircraft. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday evening, resulted from what appears to be a human error, leading to a fatal outcome. The Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900, carrying 379 passengers and crew, landed behind the coast guard aircraft on the same runway, sparking a fire. Despite the intense situation, all occupants of the JAL airliner managed to safely evacuate within 18 minutes. However, the captain of the Coast Guard's smaller Bombardier Dash-8 sustained burns, while unfortunately, all five crew members lost their lives.
At the Haneda Coast Guard base, a somber scene unfolded as colleagues of the fallen flight crew paid their respects with salutes while a black vehicle transported the victims' bodies. The bodies were scheduled to be returned to their families after undergoing police autopsies as part of a separate investigation into potential professional negligence.
Haneda Airport had partially resumed operations by reopening three runways on the night of the incident. The final runway had been closed for investigation, debris cleanup, and repairs. Transport ministry officials confirmed the reopening of the last runway early Monday, signaling the airport's readiness for full operations.
The aftermath of the collision caused significant disruptions, with over 1,200 flights canceled and approximately 200,000 passengers affected during the New Year holiday period. As the airport returned to normalcy, Monday saw an influx of passengers.
The ongoing investigation is centered on understanding the circumstances that led the coast guard flight crew to believe they had clearance for takeoff, despite a lack of clear confirmation in the traffic control transcript. Initial findings suggest a missed alert system by traffic control staff, indicating the unexpected entry of the coast guard aircraft onto the runway.
In response to these safety concerns, Haneda Airport's traffic control implemented a new position on Saturday dedicated to monitoring the runway, aiming to enhance safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The move reflects the authorities' commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and addressing the lapses that contributed to the tragic collision.
