On January 2nd, 2024, a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 carrying 379 people collided with a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. While miraculously all passengers and crew on the JAL flight survived, five of the six crew members on the Coast Guard plane tragically perished. The accident sent shockwaves through Japan and the aviation industry, prompting a thorough investigation and renewed focus on runway safety.
The Incident: The JAL flight was approaching Haneda for landing when it collided with the Coast
Guard turboprop aircraft on the runway. The smaller plane burst into flames, while the JAL aircraft skidded down the tarmac, sustaining significant damage. Thankfully, a swift and coordinated emergency
response ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew from the JAL flight, with only 14 suffering minor injuries.
Lessons Learned
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, but several preliminary lessons have already emerged:
- Communication breakdown: There appears to have been a miscommunication between air traffic control and the two aircraft, leading to their occupying the same runway at the same time. This highlights the importance of clear and concise communication in busy airspace.
- Runway incursion prevention: Existing systems for preventing runway incursions need to be reviewed and potentially improved. Technology and procedures can be further enhanced to ensure absolute separation between aircraft on the ground and in the air.
- Training and procedures: Both pilots and air traffic controllers should undergo regular training to handle complex situations and potential emergencies. Standardized procedures and protocols need to be rigorously enforced to minimize the risk of human error.
- Emergency response: The swift and efficient response of emergency personnel at Haneda Airport undoubtedly saved lives. This incident underscores the importance of regular drills and preparedness for all types of aviation accidents.
Moving Forward
The Tokyo runway collision is a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in aviation. While Japan boasts an excellent air safety record, this tragedy demonstrates that no system is infallible. By learning from this incident and implementing the necessary changes, the aviation industry can work towards making air travel even safer.
Beyond the immediate lessons, the accident has also sparked broader discussions about:
- The increasing complexity of airspace: With more and more aircraft taking to the skies, managing traffic safely becomes increasingly challenging. New technologies and airspace
management strategies may be needed to address this growing complexity. - The role of automation: While automation has significantly improved aviation safety, it is crucial to ensure that human oversight and control remain paramount. Striking the right balance between automation and human expertise is essential for safe and efficient air travel.
The Tokyo runway collision is a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety. By learning from this tragedy and taking proactive steps, we can honour the memory of those who lost their lives and work towards a future where air travel remains the safest mode of transportation.
It is important to note that the investigation into the accident is still ongoing, and the final findings may differ from the preliminary lessons outlined above. However, the lessons learned from this tragedy can still be valuable in improving aviation safety and preventing similar incidents from happening in the future.
Opinion and Edited by Col Surender Kumar Rohilla (Disaster And climate change Expert)