Full Breakdown
ANA Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Okinawa After Right-Engine Issue
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 23, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 1502, a Boeing 737-800 (registration JA86AN) bound for Saga, experienced a malfunction in its right engine shortly after takeoff from Naha Airport, Okinawa. The crew shut down the engine and returned to Naha, landing on a taxiway shortly after 10 p.m. An emergency evacuation was conducted, during which three passengers sustained minor injuries such as knee scrapes. No fire or smoke was observed.
Flight Details and Immediate Response
According to ANA and ANA Wings, the aircraft departed Naha at 8:58 p.m. and, at approximately 9:19 p.m., cockpit displays indicated unusually high oil temperature in the right engine, accompanied by vibration. The right engine was shut down, and the plane performed a controlled landing on the taxiway. All 152 passengers—including four infants—and six crew members evacuated using emergency slides. ANA reported that three passengers incurred minor injuries; no other health issues were reported. The transport ministry classified the event as a “serious incident” that could have led to an accident.
Investigation and Official Classification
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) designated the occurrence as a serious incident on the same day and is conducting an investigation into the exact cause. The aircraft has been preserved in consultation with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for further examination.
Impact on Passengers and Service Adjustments
Following the return to Naha, the flight was cancelled. ANA announced that it will operate an additional flight the next day, departing Okinawa/Naha in the morning and arriving in Fukuoka mid-morning, to accommodate affected travelers. Passengers are being re-booked on this supplemental service or on other flights along the same route.
Future Actions
The investigation remains ongoing, with MLIT and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau expected to release findings in due course. ANA has pledged to keep passengers informed and to implement any safety recommendations that arise from the inquiry.