United Airlines flight UA32 from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Cebu, Philippines (CEB) diverted to Kansai Airport shortly after takeoff Friday night, declaring an emergency. The aircraft involved was N39297, a 19 year old Boeing 737-800.
Passengers and crew evacuated via the evacuation slides after landing on runway 24L, and two passengers were injured.
According to Kansai Airport and Japan’s transport ministry, the pilots of UA32 received an alert of a fire in the cargo compartment of the aircraft shortly after takeoff. The crew then declared an emergency and made the decision to head to Kansai Airport.
A total of 141 passengers and crew were onboard. Although firefighters were ready on the scene, no firefighting activity was conducted.
Both of Kansai Airport’s runways were initially closed during the emergency landing. 06L/24R has since reopened, while 06R/24L, the site of the flight UA32 landing, remains closed.
Featured image via Mainichi Shinbun.
