Japan plane crash: Airbus specialists to help investigation after jet crashes with aircraft

Airbus is set to send a team of specialists after a plane erupted into flames at Tokyo Airport this morning (January 2). The multi-national aerospace company, which has a site in Filton[1], will provide technical assistance to the bodies which are heading the investigation into the incident. The Japan Airlines plane was engulfed by fire when it landed at Haneda Airport after crashing with a Japanese coastguard aircraft.

Pictures from the scene show a large eruption of flames and thick smoke billowing above the runway. In a recent statement, Airbus confirmed that the incident involved an A350-900 aircraft and took place at around 5.47pm local time in Japan. It was added that all 367 passengers and 12 crew members onboard were evacuated.

However, five of the six people onboard the other plane – a DHC-8 aircraft – sadly died. An investigation has now been launched into the circumstances of the fire, with Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) set to be in charge. Airbus said: “Airbus regrets to confirm that an A350-900 operated by Japan Airlines was involved in an accident during flight JAL516 from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Haneda International Airport shortly after 17:47 (local time) on 02 January 2024.

All 367 passengers and 12 crew members on-board evacuated the aircraft. “The A350 collided with a DHC-8 aircraft at landing in Haneda. The Japanese authorities have since confirmed that sadly five of the six people on board the DHC-8 did not survive.

The exact circumstances of the event are still unknown. “The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under the number JA13XJ, was MSN 538, delivered to Japan Airlines from the production line on 10 November 2021. It was powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

“In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 recommendations, Airbus will provide technical assistance to the Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA) of France and to the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) in charge of the investigation. For this purpose, Airbus is presently dispatching a team of specialists to assist the Authorities. “Further updates will be provided as soon as consolidated information is available and Airbus is authorised to release them.

Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident.”

References

1. ^ Filton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
2. ^ Elderly woman punched during attempted robbery in Mangotsfield (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
3. ^ Police name suspect after e-scooter rider arrested on M5 (www.bristolpost.co.uk)