The Tragic Downfall of ANA Flight 60 in Tokyo Bay (1966)

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 60, identified in Japanese as 全日空60便 (Zennikkū 60 Bin), was a routine domestic commercial flight operated by Japan's leading airline, connecting Sapporo Chitose Airport (now New Chitose Airport) to the bustling Tokyo Haneda International Airport (officially Tokyo International Airport). The aircraft involved was a Boeing 727-81, a popular and robust trijet airliner of its era, known for its distinctive T-tail and rear-mounted engines. This specific variant was one of the early models of the highly successful Boeing 727 series, widely utilized for short to medium-range flights globally.

On the evening of February 4, 1966, this seemingly ordinary flight tragically ended when the aircraft, carrying 133 individuals – 126 passengers and 7 crew members – mysteriously plunged into the waters of Tokyo Bay. The crash occurred approximately 10.4 kilometers (about 6.5 miles or 5.6 nautical miles) from its destination, Haneda Airport, while the crew was conducting a night approach. What made this accident particularly perplexing was the prevailing weather conditions: the sky was clear, offering good visibility, ruling out adverse weather as a contributing factor. The sudden, unexplained nature of the descent into the bay puzzled investigators and shocked the nation.

Investigation and Unanswered Questions

Despite an extensive investigation conducted by the Japanese Accident Investigation Commission, the precise cause of the ANA Flight 60 crash could not be definitively determined. While several theories were explored, including potential instrument malfunction, pilot spatial disorientation during the night approach over water, or issues with the aircraft's altimeters, no conclusive evidence emerged to pinpoint a single factor. This inability to establish a clear cause classifies it among the most enigmatic aviation disasters, often referred to as a "Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)" where a perfectly airworthy aircraft is flown into the ground or water, albeit without the crew's full awareness of the imminent impact.

A Defining Moment in Aviation History

At the time of its occurrence, the loss of ANA Flight 60 was the deadliest aviation accident involving a single aircraft, a grim milestone that underscored the growing concerns about air safety. This tragedy was further compounded by a series of other devastating air disasters that struck Japan in quick succession during 1966, creating an unprecedented crisis of public confidence in air travel. Just a month later, on March 4, Canadian Pacific Air Lines Flight 402 crashed during landing at Haneda, killing 64, followed swiftly on March 5 by BOAC Flight 911, which broke up in turbulent air near Mount Fuji, claiming 124 lives. This devastating succession of accidents, including ANA Flight 60, led to heightened scrutiny of aviation safety protocols and spurred significant improvements in air traffic control, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance practices within Japan and globally, aiming to prevent such mysteries from recurring.

Frequently Asked Questions about ANA Flight 60

When did ANA Flight 60 crash?

ANA Flight 60 crashed on February 4, 1966.

How many people were on board ANA Flight 60?

There were 133 people on board, consisting of 126 passengers and 7 crew members, all of whom perished in the accident.

Where did ANA Flight 60 crash?

The aircraft crashed into Tokyo Bay, approximately 10.4 kilometers (6.5 miles) from Tokyo Haneda International Airport during its night approach.

What was the cause of the ANA Flight 60 crash?

Despite a thorough investigation, the official cause of the ANA Flight 60 crash could not be definitively determined. Theories included pilot disorientation or instrument malfunction, but no conclusive evidence was found.

Was the ANA Flight 60 crash the worst aviation accident at the time?

Yes, at the time, the crash of ANA Flight 60 was the deadliest aviation accident involving a single aircraft globally. It was also part of a series of tragic aviation incidents in Japan during 1966.