The Miraculous Evacuation: How Passengers Sailed Safely in the Recent Tokyo Haneda Airport Collision
On a recent tragic day at Japan Tokyo Haneda Airport, two planes collided in a collision that rightly scared the world. The commercial plane, a Japan Airlines jet with a massive A350 wide-body Airbus, cut free from the disaster by evacuating all 379 souls in under 90 seconds. However, the coast guard plane, much smaller, was not so lucky. The five crews on board tragically lost their lives, but the remaining passengers from Japan Airlines flight 516 were spared. This 'blessing in disguise' offers a profound lesson in the power of rigorous training and a well-practiced plan.
Quick Actions from Passengers
The Japan Airlines Flight 516 turned into a fireball after colliding with a coastguard plane during landing. As the aircraft caught fire, the passengers immediately followed the flight crew's instructions to evacuate quickly and efficiently. They knew too well the perils of slowing down to gather their belongings and chose to leave their hand luggage behind without hesitation.
Praise for Well-Drilled Crew Members
The crew members of flight 516 were praised for their efforts in evacuating passengers. According to aviation experts and industry professionals, the passengers' quick actions were made possible due to their rigorous training. The crew's ability to maintain control and convey instructions under high-pressure circumstances was crucial.
The Tokyo Crash vs. the Dubai Crash
To understand the stark contrast, one only needs to remember the Dubai crash in 2016, where passengers were seen panicking as they tried grabbing their possessions before evacuating. The footage from a Emirates Boeing 777 airliner shows passengers rushing to grab items before fleeing down emergency slides. The Dubai crash, though scary, resulted in all 300 passengers surviving but highlighted the importance of rigorous training in disaster situations.
Putting Training into Practice
A former Japan Airlines flight attendant revealed the depth of training new crew members undergo. They spend up to three weeks in training, which includes controlling their voice to ensure it is heard by passengers clearly. This stringent training is ongoing, and all aircraft manufacturers must ensure that everyone can exit the plane within 90 seconds for their planes to be internationally recognized. However, panic can still be a significant challenge in real-life scenarios.
Lessons Learned and Airline Safety Measures
The successful evacuation of flight 516 was not just a feat of human resilience but also testament to the effectiveness of aviation safety regulations. After previous incidents, such as the Tenerife disaster in 1977, which killed 583 people, regulations were significantly strengthened. The collaboration between the flight crew and ground staff, including the immediate response of the airport's fire crews, also played a pivotal role in the evacuation.
Innovative Aviation Safety Techniques
During the evacuation, only three inflatable slides were available, and the rear slide was very steep, posing a potential risk. The aircraft’s announcement system also malfunctioned, requiring crew members to use a megaphone and shout instructions. Despite these challenges, the design of the aircraft itself worked to improve the odds of escape. Prof. Graham Braithwaite, the director of transport systems at Cranfield University, highlighted that the design of the aircraft contributed to the successful evacuation.
Japan Airlines' Commitment to Safety
Japan Airlines has a significant history of air disasters. However, the airline has also taken significant steps to promote safety awareness. The 1985 accident led to the creation of a museum-like facility near Haneda airport, aiming to promote safety awareness among employees. The company's management's dedication to safety is evident in this museum, which displays wreckage from the incident.
On average, one out of five aircraft receives a safety upgrade every three to six years, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for this airline.
Conclusion
The recent collision at Japan Tokyo Haneda Airport was a tragic event, but the successful evacuation of all 379 passengers offers a testament to the power of rigorous training and well-practiced plans. The incident serves as a vital reminder of the importance of following safety protocols in aviation and the critical role that airline staff play in ensuring passenger safety during emergencies.