Preliminary Report: Human Error Caused Japan Airlines Airbus A350 Crash at Haneda

Japanese authorities claim that the crash between Japan Airlines Airbus A350 and a Japan Coast Guard Bombardier Dash 8 on January 2, 2024, was caused mostly by human error. Preliminary findings from the Japan Transport Safety Board suggest that human error played a critical role in this collision, which has raised important questions about air traffic control and crew communication.

Primary Cause: Crew Confusion

The preliminary report released on December 25, 2024, indicates that crew confusion was the primary factor leading to the accident. The Japan Coast Guard crew mistakenly believed they had received clearance to enter the runway, which resulted in their Dash 8 colliding with the landing Airbus A350. Compounding this issue was the failure of Tokyo air traffic controllers to recognize that the Dash 8 had entered the runway. Alarmingly, they also did not respond to a runway occupancy alert that had been sounding for approximately one minute prior to the incident.

Voice recorder data from the accident revealed that the Dash 8 crew was preoccupied with their mission to assist victims of a magnitude-7.6 earthquake that had struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas just a day before. This focus on their urgent task likely contributed to their oversight regarding runway clearance and situational awareness.

Another critical factor in this incident was visibility. The Japan Airlines flight crew’s inability to spot the Dash 8 on the runway was pivotal; had they seen it, they would have executed a go-around maneuver. Unfortunately, limited visibility conditions hindered their ability to detect the Dash 8 in time to avoid the collision.

Accident Recap: Japan Airlines A350 & Japan Coast Guard Crash

The collision was on January 2, 2024, and involved a Bombardier DHC-8-315, registered as JA722A, belonging to the Japan Coast Guard, which had come to a stop on runway 34R. As it was stationary, it collided with the Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900, registered as JA13XJ, which was landing on the same runway.

There were six individuals aboard the Dash 8—comprising one captain and five crew members; when it caught fire following the collision. Tragically, while the captain sustained serious injuries, all five other crew members lost their lives in this incident.

In contrast, the Airbus A350 was carrying a total of 379 individuals: one captain, 11 crew members, and 367 passengers. After colliding with the Dash 8, the A350 caught fire beneath its fuselage but managed to continue taxiing before leaving the runway and stopping in a grassy area near its end. Upon stopping, all passengers and crew evacuated successfully; however, one passenger suffered serious injuries while four others experienced minor injuries. Additionally, twelve individuals sought medical attention for various health issues related to smoke inhalation or stress.

Evacuation: A Remarkable Response

Despite the destruction of both aircraft during this tragic event—particularly for the relatively new Airbus A350—the evacuation process is noteworthy for its effectiveness. Remarkably, none of Japan Airlines’ passengers perished in this incident. The evacuation was executed with precision amidst chaos; cabin crew members faced challenges as their interphone system failed, complicating communication efforts.

They resorted to shouting instructions or using megaphones to direct passengers to stay low and cover their noses against smoke inhalation while assessing fire conditions outside their doors. Approximately six minutes after landing, emergency exits were opened under guidance from cabin crew who instructed passengers to move forward and evacuate efficiently from the aircraft.

As investigations continue into this incident, it is essential to note that these findings are preliminary and subject to change as more information becomes available.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

You might also like:

• Air India Places Large Orders for Boeing and Airbus Aircraft to Meet Growing Demand
• Timatic – a ground handler’s little big helper
• The Future of Flying: AI in Aviation
• What’s The Story Behind JetBlue’s Nose Gear Incident?
• Women as Pilots, and what can be done to encourage more girls to become pilots?