Passengers swiftly evacuated a burning Japan Airlines jet at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, following the flight crew's instructions to leave their hand luggage behind. This adherence to safety protocols, along with the crew's rigorous training, played a significant role in the successful evacuation of all 379 people on board before the aircraft became engulfed in flames after colliding with a coastguard plane.
The incident involved Japan Airlines Flight 516, which collided with the smaller coastguard aircraft upon landing, resulting in the tragic death of five out of six people on board the smaller plane. Despite the challenging conditions, passengers' compliance with safety guidelines and the crew's effective communication through a megaphone and shouts contributed to the flawless evacuation.
Professor Ed Galea, director of the Fire Safety Engineering Group at the University of Greenwich, emphasized the importance of passengers leaving their luggage behind to expedite the evacuation process. The aircraft's unfavorable position, being nose down, added complexity to the evacuation, and only three inflatable slides were usable due to the landing conditions.
Despite a malfunctioning announcement system, the flight crew successfully conveyed instructions, ensuring the safety of passengers. One passenger sustained bruises, and 13 others sought medical consultations for physical discomfort. The Airbus A350 aircraft's challenging state and the investigation into the collision with the coastguard plane further underscore the remarkable nature of the incident.
