Incident Overview
On October 3, 2019, at 12:47:16 JST, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2A (registration 93-8550) entered Runway 10 at Misawa Airbase without air traffic control clearance. At the time, an Embraer ERJ 170-100STD (registration JA216J) operated by J-AIR Corporation was on final approach to the same runway after receiving landing clearance. No injuries or damage were reported.
Sequence of Events
Around 12:33, the F-2A departed the apron for a solo instrument and navigation training flight. By 12:40, it had switched to the UHF tower frequency (315.8 MHz) and stopped on taxiway B1 for take-off preparation. At 12:43, the pilot reported departure preparation complete but was instructed to hold short of Runway 10 by Misawa Tower. The pilot moved the aircraft closer to the runway holding position and stopped.
Meanwhile, at 12:44, the Embraer 170 received an ILS approach clearance for Runway 10 from Misawa Terminal Radar on 121.15 MHz and was handed off to the Final Controller for radar monitoring. At 12:46:58, Misawa Tower issued landing clearance to the Embraer via the Final Controller on the same frequency (121.15 MHz). The F-2A pilot was listening on a different frequency (315.8 MHz) and had no information about the approaching aircraft.
At 12:47:06, Misawa Tower relayed to the F-2A: "Expect departure after arrival of E-170 3 miles on final, full stop." The F-2A pilot misinterpreted this as a directive to take off quickly, increased power, and began moving onto the runway without visually checking the final approach course. The pilot read back "Roger, XX expedite take-off" and simultaneously reported pre-flight checks to a training management pilot (MOBO) on the same frequency.
Misawa Tower recognized the erroneous readback and instructed the F-2A to hold short. However, the F-2A pilot was transmitting to MOBO and did not hear the instruction. Seeing the F-2A continue onto the runway, Misawa Tower ordered the Embraer, then about 2.4 nautical miles from the runway, to execute a go-around via the Final Controller. At 12:47:25, the F-2A pilot requested take-off clearance, but was told to hold and informed that runway entry was not cleared. The F-2A subsequently vacated the runway and returned to the apron. The Embraer performed a go-around and landed safely at 13:01.
Aircraft and Personnel
The F-2A pilot held valid pilot competence and medical certificates issued by the Ministry of Defense. The F-2A had undergone required maintenance and inspections. The Embraer 170 was operated by J-AIR Corporation.
Meteorological Conditions
The 13:00 aerodrome report at Misawa Airbase indicated wind from 130° at 6 knots, visibility 15 km, and scattered clouds at 10,000 feet with broken higher layers. Temperature was 23°C, dew point 18°C, and QNH 1013 hPa.