Investigation Underway After Fatal Collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
An investigation has been launched following a tragic collision between a Japan Airlines flight and a Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo‘s Haneda Airport, resulting in the death of five Coast Guard crew members. The Coast Guard aircraft was engaged in earthquake relief efforts. Thankfully, all 379 passengers aboard the Japan Airlines plane were safely evacuated, with four passengers later transported to a local hospital. The captain of the Coast Guard aircraft is in critical condition after escaping the crash.
Japan Airlines expressed condolences and apologized for any inconvenience caused to passengers and those affected. Senior Vice President Noriyuki Aoki assured the provision of support to families impacted by the incident.
Preliminary reports from Tadayuki Tsutsumi, Japan Airlines’ senior vice president of corporate safety and security, suggest that the Japan Airlines flight entered the runway and began landing normally before the collision occurred. Further investigation is ongoing to determine details such as clearance to land and communication with air traffic control (ATC).
This incident marks the first time that an Airbus A350, a large aircraft in service for less than a decade, has suffered severe damage. The investigation aims to uncover the causes and circumstances surrounding the tragic collision at Haneda Airport.
