Fatal aircraft accident at Narita International Airport

2 fatalities • Tokyo-Narita, Japan • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained fatal damage and caught fire following a series of bounces during landing at Narita International Airport, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During an approach to Runway 34L at Narita International Airport, the aircraft experienced a series of repeated bounces while attempting to land. As the aircraft continued to bounce, the structural integrity of the left wing was compromised, causing it to break away from the fuselage attachment point. Following this separation, the aircraft ignited.

The resulting fire caused the plane to roll onto its left side. The momentum of the accident caused the aircraft to swerve off the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop in an inverted position within a grassy area. The intense post-crash fire destroyed the majority of the airframe.

Both the pilot in command and the first officer were on board at the time of the accident. There were 2 fatalities and no survivors among the crew.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced repeated bouncing during the landing phase.
  • The separation of the left wing from the fuselage was a primary factor in the subsequent fire and loss of control.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a structural failure of the left wing following repeated bounces during the landing sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-03-23 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident near Tokyo-Narita, Japan?

An aircraft sustained fatal damage and caught fire following a series of bounces during landing at Narita International Airport, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 2009-03-23 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-03-23 involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, registration N526FE, operated by Federal Express - FedEx, at Tokyo-Narita, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a structural failure of the left wing following repeated bounces during the landing sequence.

Loading the flight search…