Japan authorities release audio log of flight in flames

Unraveling the Tragedy

Authorities in Japan release a full transcript detailing air traffic control conversations moments before the fatal plane crash at Tokyo's Haneda airport. Yomiuri Shimbun/AP

Controlled Discussions

The transcript reveals discussions between the control tower and the two planes involved in the collision – a Japan Airlines passenger jet and a smaller coastguard plane. Japan Transport Ministry/Skynews

Confirmations and Contradictions

The coastguard plane, as per the transcript, seemingly confirmed the hold order before the collision. However, the captain of the smaller aircraft, the sole survivor, claims to have entered the runway with permission, adding a layer of contradiction Japan Transport Ministry/Skynews

Landing Permission and Waiting Orders

The Tower transcript suggests that the Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger flight was granted permission to land, while the coastguard plane received instructions to wait at a holding point next to the runway. Japan Transport Ministry/Skynews

In-flight Fire Unnoticed

Pilots on the JAL passenger flight were reportedly unaware of the in-flight fire initially, despite later dramatic images of the plane engulfed in flames. The chief flight attendant informed the cockpit about the fire.

Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic collision, including how both planes ended up on the same runway, with a focus on potential human error and the status of safety measures, such as malfunctioning stop lights, on the runway.