A Japan Airlines passenger jet faced a serious incident near Tokyo that involved 379 people on board, including both passengers and crew. The aircraft was evacuated after a fire erupted during its approach to Haneda airport. Live footage from an NHK fixed camera captured the moment the plane halted on the runway as emergency crews moved in to control the scene. Flight 516, operated by Japan Airlines, had departed from New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and touched down shortly after six in the evening local time. The event happened during a window usually reserved for postlanding checks and final safety procedures. NHK coverage framed the arrival as a disruption to routine operations, showing how a normal flight can swiftly become a developing crisis visible to spectators and authorities alike [NHK coverage].
Early social media activity from that day tracked the sequence on the tarmac and referenced a reported collapse after landing. Bystanders and viewers rapidly transformed the moment into a live crisis discussion, underscoring how quickly information travels and the importance of on-site reporting for accuracy [NHK coverage].
In the hours following the incident, authorities noted that the fire’s source had not yet been determined. Ground crews dispatched multiple fire units to suppress the blaze while investigators began a careful on-site assessment. Initial theories included a possible collision with another coast guard aircraft, though investigators weighed several possibilities as information from the airport vicinity was gathered and analyzed by safety teams [NHK coverage].
On board were 367 passengers and 12 crew members when emergency operations began. One person reportedly escaped from a coast guard helicopter or support aircraft stationed at Haneda. The status of the remaining crew members, including those initially affected, remained unclear at the outset as responders prioritized rescue and safety operations and coordinated with airport authorities [NHK coverage].
Weather conditions reportedly did not contribute to the incident, with officials noting the absence of adverse wind or storm factors at the time. This absence is cited as part of the ongoing effort to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the fire and the subsequent evacuation, while risk assessments and safety drills were reviewed to prevent a recurrence in similar late-day arrivals [NHK coverage].
NHK footage showed a bright flash at the moment the blaze began, followed by a dense plume of smoke. Emergency responders and fire units converged on the scene, and subsequent updates indicated the fire was brought under control. As investigators continued their work away from public view, a developing narrative emerged from official statements and on-site observations that gradually clarified how the incident unfolded on the runway and what it reveals about standard operating procedures during emergencies [NHK coverage].
In the broader context, aviation safety teams later analyzed runway procedures, evacuation timelines, and fire suppression responses to inform future best practices. The incident serves as a reminder that even during late-day arrivals, preparedness and rapid emergency action are vital to protecting passengers and crew. Ongoing assessments emphasize collaboration among airline operators, airport authorities, and coast guard units to manage the event and sustain public confidence in air travel safety. These observations reflect how agencies coordinate to review procedures, improve response times, and maintain trust in aviation safety measures [NHK coverage].