A Close Call at Haneda Airport

On the night of April 7, a Japan Airlines Boeing 737-800, operating flight JAL377 destined for Kitakyushu, experienced a heart-stopping incident during takeoff at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. As the aircraft accelerated down Runway D, the pilot and crew quickly realized they were veering nearly 30 meters away from the center line—over an area not typically used for flight departures.

The Emergency Stop That Saved Lives

Only moments after takeoff clearance was granted around 7:10 PM, the aircraft deviated to the left side of the runway, causing a tense situation for the 80 passengers and crew on board. Despite reaching speeds between 90km/h and 130km/h, the captain made the critical decision to abort takeoff after noticing the aircraft's alarming trajectory.

Collision with an Aviation Light

Before the aircraft could safely come to a halt, it grazed a 70cm-long blue taxiway light, prompting immediate concerns for safety. Luckily, there were no injuries reported among those onboard.

Investigation Launched: What Went Wrong?

Authorities are investigating the incident, with early indications suggesting that the pilots may have misinterpreted the dimmed runway lights due to ongoing maintenance work. Since March, portions of Runway D's center line lights had been turned off, possibly leading to confusion for the flight crew.

Operations Resume After Quick Recovery

Following a brief 50-minute closure to the runway, operations quickly resumed as another aircraft took over the original flight path of JAL377. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of crew vigilance and the need for clear protocols, especially under working conditions that deviate from the norm.

Staying Informed and Prepared for the Unexpected

As investigations continue, the aviation community is left questioning what could have been a tragic outcome. This event underscores the importance of strict adherence to guidelines and the continuous training of pilots for emergency situations—a critical protocol that ensures passenger safety.