Japan Transport Safety Board Completes Investigation of Regional Aircraft Runway Excursion Incident

The Japan Transport Safety Board released its final report on a runway excursion incident involving a regional turboprop aircraft at a provincial airport. The investigation revealed multiple contributing factors including sudden wind shear during landing, inadequate runway surface friction due to recent rainfall, and delayed pilot corrective actions. The 48-passenger aircraft veered off the runway during landing roll, coming to rest on grass adjacent to the runway with no injuries reported. Analysis of flight data recorders showed the crew encountered a 25-knot crosswind gust at 50 feet altitude, exceeding aircraft limitations. The report identified deficiencies in wind shear detection equipment at smaller regional airports and recommended nationwide upgrades. Contributing factors included inadequate crew training for extreme crosswind conditions and insufficient runway condition reporting protocols. The Safety Board mandated enhanced simulator training focusing on wind shear recovery techniques and crosswind landing limits. Airports must now implement continuous friction testing during adverse weather conditions. The incident prompted a comprehensive review of operational procedures at all regional airports, with 47 facilities identified as requiring infrastructure improvements to meet updated safety standards.