According to the transcript of air traffic control communications obtained by Japan Times, the Japan Coast Guard plane that crashed on the runway of Kobe Airport last week was not cleared for takeoff before it attempted to do so. The transcript suggests that the pilot, who was killed in the accident, was attempting to take off without permission from air traffic control.
The transcript reveals that the pilot asked for permission to take off five times, but was told each time to “stand by” for instruction. On the sixth request, the controller is heard saying that the plane needed to stay put and could not take off yet. However, after the sixth request, the controller told the pilot he would be allowed to take off if the plane was ready. At this point, the pilot does not respond to the controller, and soon after the plane is heard starting to accelerate on the runway before crashing.
The transcript suggests that the pilot may have been attempting to take off without clearance from air traffic control, an act which is strictly forbidden. An investigation is currently ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
