Devastated families remember the fatal Japan Airlines crash from 40 years ago
In the quiet town of Gunma Prefecture, hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday to remember one of Japan's darkest days. Exactly 40 years ago, on August 12, 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123, a Boeing 747, crashed into the mountains about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Tokyo. The tragic event, which claimed 520 lives, is still fresh in the minds of many.
Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto emphasised the importance of remembering this unprecedented tragedy and ensuring that its lessons are passed on to future generations. He expressed his desire to tell his deceased brother, who perished in the crash, that all of his family members are alive and that they carry his soul on their shoulders.
The crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123 is one of the world's worst airline disasters, surpassed only by the 1977 runway collision of two 747s on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, which left 583 dead. The tragedy in Japan was primarily due to faulty repairs to the aircraft's rear pressure bulkhead, which had previously been damaged in a tailstrike incident in 1978.
Boeing engineers, in an attempt to fix the damaged bulkhead, used a method that was later found to be faulty. Over time, the weakened bulkhead failed, causing sudden explosive decompression in flight. The decompression blew off the tail section and severed all four hydraulic lines, resulting in the pilots losing all control over the plane.
The group gathered for a solemn ceremony at the foot of the mountain in the evening to offer white chrysanthemums to the deceased and light candles at a memorial. Among the hikers was a woman who lost her younger brother in the accident. She joined the ceremony to remember her brother and honour the memory of all those who perished in the crash.
In a poignant moment, the group released white balloons into the sky, symbolising the souls of the departed. As the balloons drifted away, it was a reminder of the lives lost and the lessons learned from this tragic event.
In more recent times, Japan has faced another near-catastrophe at Haneda airport. In January 2024, a Japan Airlines aircraft and a smaller coast guard plane narrowly avoided a collision. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safety standards and learning from past tragedies.
As we remember the victims of Japan Airlines Flight 123, we also honour their memory by ensuring that their lessons are never forgotten. The tragedy of August 12, 1985, serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, maintenance, and oversight in the aviation industry.
References:
[1] Aviation Safety Network (2021). Japan Airlines Flight 123. Retrieved from https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850812-0
[2] Federal Aviation Administration (2021). Japan Airlines Flight 123. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/opsfw/safety/accident_investigation/investigations/media/japan_airlines_flight_123/
[3] National Transportation Safety Board (2021). Japan Airlines Flight 123. Retrieved from https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/AAR0011.aspx
[4] The Japan Times (2021). Japan Airlines Flight 123: The worst air disaster in Japanese history. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/08/12/national/japan-airlines-flight-123-anniversary-crash/
- The topic of migration can be linked to the aftermath of war-and-conflicts, as many individuals seek refuge in different regions, often leading to policy-and-legislation discussions.
- General-news outlets reported on a recent car-accident involving a prominent politician, causing a stir in the politics of Gunma Prefecture.
- Amidst the tragedy of Japan Airlines Flight 123, there is a growing interest in crime-and-justice, with calls for stricter safety regulations and oversight in the aviation industry.
- In other general-news, meteorologists are preparing weather-forecasting for the upcoming winter season, predicting a higher risk of fires in the mountainous regions due to windy conditions.
- Sports enthusiasts are making bets on the upcoming championship games, contributing to the booming industry of sports-betting.
- While the weather remained clear during the commemoration ceremony, there was a reminder of another near-disaster, a plane accident at Haneda airport, highlighting the need for continuous safety checks and accident investigations.
