One week after a frightening near miss between two Japan Airlines jetliners over Yaezu in Shizuoka Prefecture, it seems almost certain that the near midair collision was caused by a combination of human errors. While investigators have yet to reach a conclusion, two human factors -- incorrect instructions from air-traffic controllers and confused reactions on the part of the pilots -- apparently caused the two planes to come dangerously close to each other last Wednesday in the crowded skies over Shizuoka.
Investigations have found that the planes came within 10 meters of colliding. Forty-two of 427 passengers and crew members aboard the Naha-bound Boeing 747 from Haneda were injured, some seriously, when the plane took a sharp turn and dived to avert a crash. Indeed, it was one of the worst near misses in memory.
Aircraft are equipped with an array of high-tech safety devices to prevent accidents. This incident, however, is a chilling reminder that a simple human error could result in a disaster despite these fail-safe systems. The lesson is clear enough: All safety rules, including air traffic control procedures, should be re-examined thoroughly to secure flying safety.