In November of 2018, a Japan Coast Guard (JCG) plane and a van carrying four people collided in a deadly crash on the runway at Niigata airport, northeastern Japan. Unbeknownst to many, evidence suggests that the plane had not been properly cleared for takeoff before the accident.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC) transcripts, the JCG plane pilot requested clearance to take off eight seconds before the van crossed the runway. The ATC operator reportedly acknowledged the request but did not grant the plane clearance until after the accident had occurred.
It appears that the ATC operator had difficulties communicating with the JCG plane, as the transmission was weak. In addition, the ATC operator had yet to be informed of the van’s presence on the runway.
The investigation by the Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) concluded that both parties were partially responsible for the accident. It found that the ATC operator should have been more vigilant in monitoring the situation and granted clearance for the plane earlier. Meanwhile, the van driver was found to be negligent for disregarding the airport’s safety regulations and entering the runway without clearance.
The accident serves as a harsh reminder of how important it is for pilots and ATC operators to communicate effectively and adhere to safety protocols. If either of the two parties had taken the proper precautions, the accident could have been avoided, or at least, minimized. Moving forward, all parties concerned must continue to abide by safety measures, ensure that all communication is clear and effective, and take all necessary precautions before takeoff.
