What happened
On the night of August 30, 2010, a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300, registered A7BAE, was conducting a flight from Narita International Airport to Kansai International Airport. While executing a visual approach to runway 24L, the flight crew inadvertently began approaching runway 24R, which was closed for operations.
During the descent, the crew transitioned from an instrument approach to a visual approach after receiving clearance from approach control. As the aircraft maneuvered through the dark environment, the crew observed the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) and approach lighting systems (PALS) for the closed runway. At approximately 21:55 JST, while at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, the tower controller alerted the crew that they were approaching 24R and inquired if a left turn to 24L was possible. The crew realized the error and initiated a go-around, eventually landing safely on runway 24L at 22:07 JST. There were no injuries among the 124 people on board.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined cockpit voice and flight data recorder records, air traffic control communications, and airport lighting operation logs. The investigation focused on why the crew misidentified the active runway despite knowing from the ATIS that 24R was closed. Investigators also reviewed the status of the approach lighting systems, noting that the PALS and PAPI for the closed runway 24R were active during the approach.