Japan Airlines flight JL-646, operating the Kagoshima–Tokyo Haneda route, was forced to return after a bird strike occurred shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 767-300 registered JA612J was carrying 258 passengers.
As the aircraft departed from Kagoshima Airport’s Runway 34, several bird species were detected in the right CF6 engine. Upon noticing the situation, the cockpit crew halted the climb at 6,000 ft and entered a holding pattern while carrying out the required procedures. The aircraft then made a safe landing on the same runway approximately 50 minutes after takeoff. Initial inspections revealed damage to several fan blades in the right engine.
Following the incident, flight JL-646 was cancelled and all passengers were directed to alternative flights. Despite 29 hours having passed since its return, the aircraft with registration JA612J remains grounded in Kagoshima. Technical teams are reported to be continuing detailed inspection and maintenance work.
