The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) has issued several recommendations following a serious incident involving a military helicopter and two Boeing 737 aircraft at Naha, Okinawa.

The incident occurred at midday on 3 June 2015 in fair weather conditions, says the JTSB.

In incident, which JTSB ranks as "serious," an All Nippon Airways 737-800 (JA80AN) commenced its takeoff roll from runway 18, but aborted the takeoff when a Japan Air Self Defence Force CH-47J (57-4493) helicopter took off in front, crossing the runway headed west.

Air traffic control ordered a Japan Transocean Air 737-400 (JA8939) on final approach to do a go around, but the order was too late, and the second 737 landed while the first still occupied the runway.

In its report into the incident, the JTSB found that the Chinook crew had mistaken the takeoff clearance given to the ANA 737, and proceeded to takeoff. Meanwhile, the crew of the approaching Japan Transocean 737 identified the aborted takeoff too late.

It had recommendations for all parties involved in the incident, with a focus on ATC procedures, runway protocols, training, and radio usage.

Source: Cirium Dashboard

Topics