Jumpseat: Cleared via Earthquake 1A Arrival

Les Abend

Monday, November 21, 2011 at 11:02 PM ET

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Narita Airport (photo taken in 2009)

Key Takeaways:

A B777 crew en route to Japan during the 2011 earthquake faced an unprecedented crisis with no established emergency procedures or checklists.
The crew demonstrated exceptional proactive decision-making, anticipating congestion at primary airports and successfully diverting to Sapporo amidst saturated airspace and critical fuel levels.
On the ground, they navigated severe logistical challenges including fueling, passenger deplaning, and accommodation for hundreds of people at an overwhelmed alternate airport.
The article highlights the crew's creative professionalism and leadership in managing the complex, unscripted emergency, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew.

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(November 2011) Opening scene: Inside a B777 cockpit approximately 250 miles off the eastern coastline of Japan. The first officer is massaging the right touch pad of the display unit with his index finger. The cursor arrow hovers in the vicinity of the emergency checklist page now shown on the lower EICAS (engine instrument and crew alerting system) screen.

Captain: Let’s go to the checklist.