Japan Airlines tragedy: conflicting reports between air traffic control, coast guard pilot over ‘hold short’ order

Controllers claim unawareness of Japan Coast Guard plane's entry onto runway prior to collision

10:35 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Haneda Airport’s air traffic controllers have reportedly said they were unaware of the collision between a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger jet and a coast guard aircraft on Tuesday, as the latter aircraft had been ordered to stay away from the runway.

According to national broadcaster NHK, sources said that air traffic control was initially unaware the Japan Coast Guard plane “had moved onto the runway” after being given directions to stay in a “hold short” position.

As such, controllers were paying more attention to other aircraft, NHK said in its report on remarks apparently made by controllers to transport ministry officials.

Based on these interviews and transcripts of radio communications between air traffic control and the two aircraft, there appeared to be no warnings to either of the planes about any problems with their positions.

The Japan Transport Safety Board has begun questioning those related to the collision between the passenger jet and the coast guard plane as part of investigations.

The JAL jetliner had just landed when it collided with the coast guard aircraft, causing both aircraft to burst into flames.

The jetliner’s 379 passengers and crew were evacuated safely, while five of the six coast guard members on the other aircraft died.

NHK also reported that the surviving pilot, who suffered serious injuries, said that his plane was “hit from behind after he increased engine power”.

According to NHK sources, the pilot entered the runway “after receiving permission to do so” from air traffic control to take off.

However, NHK also reported that transcripts of radio communications show that no such permission was given to the coast guard plane.

Clearing up work to remove the JAL wreckage from the runway has begun, while the wreckage of the coast guard plane was removed yesterday.

The pieces will be brought to a hangar for further inspection. – January 5, 2024

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