Japan: Passengers write farewell notes as plane plunges 26,000 feet mid-air

A major accident was narrowly avoided when a Japan Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft suddenly dropped to 10,500 feet mid-air, prompting the automatic deployment of oxygen masks for passengers. Fortunately, all passengers and crew on board are safe.

The aircraft, operated jointly by Japan Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Spring Japan, was en route from Shanghai Pudong Airport in China to Tokyo, Japan, on June 30. It was carrying 191 passengers and three crew members.

According to reports, the plane experienced a technical malfunction mid-flight, causing it to plummet from an altitude of 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet in less than 10 minutes. The incident occurred at approximately 6:53 pm local time.

The sudden descent activated emergency protocols, releasing oxygen masks throughout the cabin. Flight attendants instructed passengers to put on the masks as the plane stabilised.

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Several passengers described scenes of panic and chaos, with many crying, screaming, and fearing for their lives. Some even began writing farewell messages to their loved ones, believing the aircraft was about to crash. One viral video showed passengers clinging to their oxygen masks in fear.

Amid the emergency, the pilot issued a distress call and safely diverted the aircraft to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, where it landed without further incident.

Following the emergency landing, the airline provided ¥15,000 (approximately $93) in transportation compensation to each passenger and arranged overnight accommodation.

Jaanese aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the technical issue that endangered the lives of those onboard.