Japanese investigators have determined human error as the primary cause of the fatal collision between a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 and a Japan Coast Guard Bombardier Dash 8 at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2, 2024. This conclusion, announced by the Japan Transport Safety Board, follows the release of their preliminary report on December 25, 2024.
The collision occurred as the Japan Coast Guard aircraft was mistakenly trying to enter the runway, believing it had received clearance from air traffic control. The report indicated significant crew confusion contributed to the disaster. Specifically, the Coast Guard pilot misinterpreted instructions from air traffic control, who had informed him his aircraft was "No. 1," implying he should wait at the holding point but not proceed to the runway. Instead, the pilot thought he had been cleared for takeoff.
Another complicity factor mentioned was the air traffic control's failure to notice the Dash 8 had entered the runway—despite alerts indicating potential runway occupancy. The report critiqued both the air traffic controllers and the flight crews, noting lapses across multiple communication levels.
According to the investigation, the Coast Guard Dash 8 was on its mission to deliver emergency supplies following the severe earthquake (magnitude 7.6) on the previous day, which had struck the Noto Peninsula. Voice recordings from the flight revealed the crew focused on the urgency of their task, which could have influenced their attentiveness to instructions.
The accident took place just after 5:47 p.m. local time, during twilight, when visibility was already poor. The Coast Guard aircraft, with six people aboard, collided with the outbound Japan Airlines flight as it landed. Tragically, the incident resulted in the loss of five personnel from the Coast Guard aircraft, with only the pilot surviving but sustaining serious injuries.
From the Japan Airlines Airbus A350, which had 379 people including passengers and cabin crew, all were able to evacuate the aircraft after the collision sparked intense fires. The efficient evacuation was described as "nearly perfect" by observers, as all passengers and crew managed to exit the vehicle before flames engulfed it. Although injuries did occur—one passenger severely and four more lightly injured—none of the passengers from the Japan Airlines flight lost their lives.
Eyewitness accounts underscored the chaos during evacuation. After the accident, the cabin intercom system failed, forcing crew members to communicate via megaphones and shouting instructions to passengers. They urged individuals to remain low to avoid the dense smoke and to check on the safety of emergency exits before evacuations commenced. The crew followed procedures methodically; about six minutes after touchdown, emergency exits were opened as they guided passengers to leave swiftly.
Despite the tragedy, the final report revealed necessary findings aimed at improving air traffic control procedures and communication protocols to avoid similar incidents. The safety board emphasized how enhanced monitoring systems could alert controllers about unauthorized runway occupancies more effectively.
This investigation remains classified as interim, with the board planning to conduct additional analyses and consultations to form solid recommendations for the future. There is significant insight needed to bolster safety measures to not only protect those aboard commercial flights but also those involved with potentially life-saving missions like the Coast Guard.
The collision at Haneda serves as yet another reminder of the dire consequences of human error within the aviation sector and the pressing demand for systemic changes to avert such disasters. Looking forward, airport authorities and safety boards are assessing the findings, aiming for tangible safety enhancements and increased vigilance.
