There were terrifying moments aboard Japan Airlines (JAL) flight JL8696, operated by a Boeing 737. The aircraft, which had departed from Shanghai Pudong Airport bound for Tokyo Narita Airport, suffered a mechanical failure mid-flight, causing an abrupt loss of 26,000 feet in altitude.
The 191 passengers on board were thrown into panic as the cabin depressurized, triggering the automatic deployment of oxygen masks.
“We Thought the Plane Was Crashing”
According to passengers, some were jolted awake by screams, while others, fearing the plane would crash, began writing wills and sending bank passwords and personal information to their loved ones. Footage from inside the aircraft shows passengers wearing oxygen masks, crying and praying, while flight attendants made safety announcements.
Pilot Diverted to Osaka
The incident began around 6:53 p.m. local time when the aircraft was cruising at approximately 36,000 feet. Within just 10 minutes, the plane descended to 10,500 feet. The pilot declared an emergency, diverted the flight, and safely landed the aircraft at Kansai International Airport in Osaka at 8:50 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported.
The aircraft was operated under an agreement between Japan Airlines and its low-cost affiliate, Spring Japan.
Rising Concerns Over Boeing
The incident once again cast a spotlight on the Boeing 737 model used in the flight. A series of recent safety issues involving Boeing aircraft has increasingly strained the company’s reputation. Just last month, a Boeing plane crashed en route from India to the UK, claiming 275 lives. These back-to-back “near-miss” events have sparked serious public concern over Boeing’s safety record.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The aircraft’s maintenance records and system data are being thoroughly examined.
