Earlier this week, a Japan Airlines flight between Miyazaki and Tokyo was struck by lightning twice, prompting a burning odour on board and a diversion to Osaka.
It is understood the incident happened whilst in the climb out to Haneda before the decision to divert occurred.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
JL694: Miyazaki to Tokyo – Osaka Diversion…
Japan Airlines flight JL694 is a routine scheduled flight between Miyazaki and Tokyo Haneda.
The aircraft involved in the diversion to Osaka is registered as JA308J.
As per data from Planespotters.net, JA308J is a 16.3 year old Boeing 737-800 that was delivered to the airline’s Express subsidiary in January 2008.
Japan Airlines handed over the aircraft to the mainline carrier in October 2014.
Of the 737-800 variant, JL has 42 of them in the fleet, of which all but two are in active service.
Furthermore, average fleet age for the variant at the airline stands at 14.3 years.
JL694 departed Miyazaki at 1448 local time on April 3 and proceeded in a north-easterly direction to Tokyo Haneda.
As per reporting from The Aviation Herald, the aircraft was climbing through FL150 when it was struck by lightning twice.
Initially, the crew continued their climb up to FL390 following the two strikes to the airplane.
However, at cruising altitude, a burning odor onboard was noticed.
This then resulted in a diversion to Osaka Kansai, where the aircraft landed without further incident.
Damage is Unclear Following the Incident…
The damage to the airplane is unclear following the two lightning strikes on Japan Airlines flight JL694 Miyazaki-Tokyo.
At the time of writing (3/4/24 @ 2100 UK time), JA308J is still on the ground at Osaka.
It is unclear how long it will take to make the relevant repairs to the aircraft before it’s allowed back into commercial service.
All eyes will be on it’s return to service.
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