In a startling incident, a Japan Airlines flight narrowly averted catastrophe as it collided with a Coast Guard aircraft during its landing approach. But despite the terrifying collision, every passenger on board the Japan Airlines flight miraculously survived. The incident shed light on the vital role played by air traffic control and raised questions about the possibility of a miscommunication between the control tower and ground frequency personnel.
An audio recording of the flight crew reading back their landing clearance indicates that the plane had received permission to land. This begs the question: what part did air traffic control play in this unfortunate situation? Initial investigations suggest that the blame may lean towards the Coast Guard aircraft, flown by the Japanese, as it apparently disregarded instructions to hold short of the runway.
