Flames seen near Antonov An-124 during landing in Japan; runway briefly closed
Flames or a flash were reported near the rear of a Ukrainian Antonov An-124-100 cargo aircraft during landing at Chubu Centrair airport near Nagoya on October 22. Authorities closed the runway for 15 minutes, but an inspection found no signs of fire, after which the aircraft taxied to its stand. The cause remained undetermined.
Key points
- The incident occurred at Chubu Centrair airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, on the evening of October 22.
- The aircraft was an Antonov An-124-100 operated by Antonov Airlines, registered UR-82029.
- It was operating cargo flight ADB5561 from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Nagoya.
- Flames or a flash were noticed around 19:20 local time during landing.
- The runway was closed from 19:22 to 19:37, a 15-minute closure.
- An inspection found no signs of fire, and the aircraft taxied to the stand independently.
- Japanese authorities were investigating; no substantial disruption to passenger flights was reported.
Why it matters
The incident briefly closed an airport runway and prompted an emergency response, although passenger traffic was not substantially affected. Because the aircraft taxied away after inspection and the cause of the visible flames remained unknown, the investigation is central to determining what happened.
What happened
At around 19:20 local time on October 22, witnesses and published footage showed flames or a flash near the rear of an Antonov An-124-100 during its landing at Chubu Centrair airport, also known as Chubu airport, in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture. The runway was closed from 19:22 to 19:37. Firefighters and rescue personnel responded, and the runway was reopened after a safety inspection. The aircraft, registered UR-82029 and operating cargo flight ADB5561 from Fairbanks to Nagoya, independently taxied to its stand. Inspectors found no signs of fire or a cause for the flames, and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism investigated.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian media identified the aircraft as a Ukrainian Antonov An-124-100 operated by Antonov Airlines and focused on the temporary runway disruption, the response by emergency crews and the ongoing investigation. They also noted the broader context of Antonov aircraft temporarily being based in Leipzig.
How international sources describe it
The supplied reports focus on the incident in Japan and its effects on airport operations. Japanese authorities reported that the disruption did not substantially affect passenger flights, while the cause of the visible flames remained undetermined.
Where reporting differs
Early reports described the event as a fire or confirmed ignition, while later inspection reports said no signs of fire or causes for the flames were found. Accounts also differed over whether the visible flames were in the rear of the aircraft, in the fuselage, or near the wheels and engine. Social-media speculation that the engine or auxiliary power unit was responsible was not officially confirmed.
Background
The aircraft was an Antonov An-124-100 with registration UR-82029, operated by Antonov Airlines. It arrived from Fairbanks, Alaska, on cargo flight ADB5561. Chubu Centrair is located in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, near Nagoya. At least five Antonov aircraft were temporarily based at Leipzig airport because international flights from Ukraine could not be performed.