Date: January 2, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
1. Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900
• Registration: JA13XJ
• Flight: JL-516 (Sapporo to Tokyo Haneda)
• Occupants: 367 passengers, 12 crew
• Injuries: 15 passengers injured, no fatalities
2. Japanese Coast Guard Dash 8-300
• Registration: JA722A
• Occupants: 6 crew
• Injuries: 5 fatalities, 1 serious injury
Incident Summary
On January 2, 2024, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 collided with a Japanese Coast Guard Dash 8-300 on runway 34R at Tokyo Haneda Airport during nighttime operations. The JAL flight JL-516 had just landed when it struck the Coast Guard aircraft, which had mistakenly lined up on the same runway. The collision resulted in both aircraft bursting into flames.
All 379 occupants of the A350 evacuated the aircraft, with 15 passengers requiring medical attention. Tragically, five of the six occupants aboard the Dash 8-300 perished, with the captain sustaining severe injuries but surviving.
Sequence of Events
1. A350 Approach and Landing:
• The JAL flight was cleared to land on runway 34R at 17:47 local time.
• The approach and touchdown were reported as normal until the collision occurred shortly after landing.
2. Dash 8 Taxi and Miscommunication:
• The Coast Guard Dash 8 was cleared to taxi via taxiways H and C to holding point C5 on runway 34R.
• The crew misinterpreted ATC communications, believing they were cleared for takeoff.
• The Dash 8 lined up on runway 34R and stopped just as the A350 landed.
3. Collision and Fire:
• The A350 struck the Dash 8 during its landing rollout, causing both aircraft to catch fire.
• The A350 skidded approximately 1,000 meters before stopping off the right-hand edge of the runway.
4. Evacuation:
• The A350’s evacuation began approximately 3 minutes after the collision and was largely completed within 7 minutes.
• Some passengers delayed evacuation due to panic or confusion, requiring the captain to prompt them to leave.
Investigation Findings
Probable Cause:
The collision was attributed to a breakdown in communication between the Dash 8 crew and air traffic control, combined with insufficient runway monitoring by the tower controller.
Contributing Factors:
1. Miscommunication:
• The Dash 8 crew mistook sequencing information (“number one for takeoff”) as a clearance to take off.
• Partially overlapping radio transmissions may have further confused the crew.
2. Runway Monitoring:
• The tower controller did not notice the Dash 8 had entered the runway.
• While the runway monitoring system was operational, the controller missed the alert display.
3. Cockpit Dynamics:
• The A350 pilots were unable to see the Dash 8 in the dark conditions.
Key Investigation Updates
• January 3, 2024:
• The black boxes from both aircraft were recovered and sent for analysis.
• The JTSB confirmed that the Dash 8 crew misinterpreted ATC instructions.
• January 4, 2024:
• The Ministry of Transport revealed that the tower controller was unaware of the Dash 8 on the runway.
• January 6, 2024:
• New ATC monitoring procedures were implemented to ensure continuous runway surveillance.
• January 9, 2024:
• Departure sequencing terminology (“number one for takeoff”) was abandoned to prevent future misunderstandings.
• December 25, 2024:
• The JTSB released a preliminary report detailing the events leading to the collision.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
1. Improved ATC Communication:
• Clear and unambiguous instructions must be prioritized, especially in complex operational environments.
2. Runway Monitoring:
• Controllers should actively monitor runway occupancy, with additional staffing or automation to prevent lapses.
3. Pilot Training:
• Enhanced training to avoid misinterpreting sequencing information as clearance to take off or land.
4. System Upgrades:
• Consider implementing advanced runway incursion alert systems to provide real-time warnings.
Conclusion
The tragic collision at Haneda underscores the critical need for precise communication and vigilant monitoring in air traffic operations. While the swift evacuation of the A350 likely saved lives, the loss of five Coast Guard personnel highlights the dire consequences of miscommunication. The investigation’s findings are expected to lead to significant improvements in runway safety protocols and ATC procedures worldwide.
Disclaimer:
If you are the rightful owner of the photo and wish it to be taken down, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
