A closer look at why all passengers survived the plane crash despite flames engulfing the aircraft

In a remarkable escape, all 379 passengers and crew aboard Japan Airlines Flight 516 survived a crash landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The Airbus A350-900, which collided with a coast guard plane while landing, caught fire but didn’t explode on impact. Despite the aircraft being engulfed in flames, no one aboard the JAL flight was killed, raising the question: Why did the plane not explode like many might expect in such a catastrophic incident?

Experts suggest that low fuel levels at the time of the crash were a key factor in preventing an explosion. The flight, which had departed from Sapporo, had already burned through much of its fuel during its journey. With less fuel onboard, the likelihood of a massive fireball or explosion on impact was significantly reduced.

However, the situation was still dire, as the fire quickly spread throughout the plane. It took nearly three hours for authorities to extinguish the flames, though miraculously, all passengers and crew were able to escape unharmed. Tragically, the coast guard plane involved in the crash wasn’t as fortunate, with five out of six crew members perishing.

Another factor contributing to the outcome was the construction of the Airbus A350-900 itself. This plane, like many modern jets, features a significant amount of carbon fiber composites, which are known to burn more easily than traditional metal structures. Yet experts downplay the role of the material in the lack of an explosion. Instead, they note that the specific way in which the A350 burned was a relatively new phenomenon in aviation, with the design of the aircraft likely contributing to its ability to withstand the impact without catastrophic failure.

Dr. Sonya Brown, an aerospace design lecturer at the University of New South Wales, explained that modern aircraft like the A350 rely heavily on carbon fiber composites to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. Approximately 50% of the A350’s structure, including the wings and fuselage, is made from carbon fiber reinforced polymers, the highest proportion ever used in commercial aircraft. While the materials may burn quicker, their use helps achieve the necessary strength and performance for long-haul flights, ultimately playing a part in the plane’s ability to withstand a crash without fully disintegrating.

The crash at Haneda was an extraordinary event in aviation, with a combination of factors—low fuel levels, the materials used in the plane’s construction, and likely the quick actions of the crew—leading to the survival of all aboard despite the devastating circumstances.