Background
Japan Airlines Flight 62, a Boeing 747 with registration JA-8163, was initially vectored by Los Angeles ARTCC for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 24R. The visibility was reduced due to haze.
Approach and Communication
Before turning final, the crew was advised of an aircraft four miles ahead. Flight 62 reported the aircraft in sight. The controller instructed them to turn to a heading of 230 degrees for the final approach and to follow the aircraft ahead, then cleared the flight for a visual approach to Runway 24R. After switching to tower frequency, the tower controller (LC-2) directed the flight to change to Runway 24L and cleared them to land. The crew acknowledged.
Maneuver
LC-2 observed the aircraft tracking right of course and asked the flight to verify the runway was in sight. The crew replied the runway was not in sight but continued descending on an inbound heading. LC-2 then instructed the flight to turn southbound, and subsequently told them to "turn left 10 degrees." When the aircraft was approximately 3/4 mile east and 1 mile north of the threshold at an altitude of 700 to 800 feet, the crew made an abrupt left turn to align with the runway, turning from a heading of 240 degrees to 175 degrees and then back to the right. The aircraft rolled out of the turn just before touching down on the runway.