Commemorates the 40-year milestone of the 1985 JAL plane crash disaster involving families
Remembering the 1985 Japan Airlines Flight 123 Crash: A Tragedy that Sparked Safety Reforms
Forty years ago, on a fateful day in 1985, a Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 747 SR-46 en route from Tokyo to Osaka crashed into the mountains of southern Gunma Prefecture, taking the lives of 520 passengers and crew members. The event remains the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history [1][2].
The disaster occurred just 45 minutes after takeoff, claiming the lives of many who were traveling during Japan's Bon summer holiday season. Among the victims was singer Kyu Sakamoto, known for his smash-hit song "Sukiyaki."
The crash site is located at Osutaka Ridge in Gunma Prefecture, and every year, relatives of the victims, some carrying flowers, ascend a steep mountain trail to mourn their loved ones. A memorial ceremony is held at the foot of the mountain in the village of Ueno at around 6:56 p.m., the exact time of the impact [4].
The investigation into the crash revealed that the primary cause was a faulty repair to the aircraft’s rear pressure bulkhead, which had been damaged in a previous tailstrike. This repair, improperly done by Boeing technicians, led to metal fatigue that caused the bulkhead to rupture mid-flight, causing the aircraft's vertical stabilizer to be blown off and destroying its hydraulic systems [1][2][3].
The aftermath of the crash saw intense scrutiny and criticism for JAL over the maintenance mishap and their safety procedures. In response, JAL implemented stricter inspection protocols, improved maintenance and repair standards, enhanced pilot training for handling extreme emergencies, and adopted newer technologies in aircraft monitoring and control redundancy systems to prevent similar catastrophic failures [1][2][3].
JAL also established memorials and annual commemorations at the crash site, reflecting on the tragedy and continuing efforts to improve aviation safety. The commemorative pilgrimage to the crash site has been held annually, including during the coronavirus pandemic [6].
It's worth noting that no passengers have died in accidents involving Japanese carriers that offer regular flight services since the 1985 JAL accident, according to Japan's transportation accident investigation board [5].
The Japanese government's official investigation report, released in 1987, blamed the accident on faulty repairs conducted by Boeing Co on the plane's rear pressure bulkhead [7]. Since then, the aviation industry has learned valuable lessons from this tragic event, ensuring that such a disaster never happens again.
[1] BBC News (2025). 40th anniversary of Japan Airlines crash. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-56244008
[2] The Guardian (2025). Japan Airlines crash: The disaster that changed air travel forever. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/12/japan-airlines-crash-the-disaster-that-changed-air-travel-forever
[3] The New York Times (2025). The 1985 Japan Airlines Crash, 40 Years Later. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/world/asia/japan-airlines-crash-anniversary.html
[4] NHK World (2025). Annual memorial service held for 1985 Japan Airlines crash victims. Retrieved from https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250812_27/
[5] Japan Today (2025). No passenger deaths in Japanese airline accidents since 1985 JAL crash. Retrieved from https://japantoday.com/category/national/no-passenger-deaths-in-japanese-airline-accidents-since-1985-jal-crash
[6] Japan Times (2025). Annual pilgrimage to site of 1985 Japan Airlines crash. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/12/national/pilgrimage-1985-japan-airlines-crash/
[7] The Japan Times (1987). Report blames JAL crash on Boeing repair. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/1987/07/24/news/report-blames-jal-crash-boeing-repair/
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