Hokkaido Air System to Resume Operations of Aircraft Involved in Engine Malfunction on January 29

Hokkaido Air System (HAC) will resume operations of the aircraft that experienced an engine malfunction on December 11, starting January 29.

The malfunction occurred on flight JL2823 from Sapporo/Okadama to Akita on the same day, operated with an ATR 42-600 aircraft (registration: JA14HC). Two minutes after takeoff, a problem occurred in the right engine’s power output system, causing the right engine to unintentionally shut down. The destination was changed to Hakodate, where the aircraft made an emergency landing. A post-landing inspection revealed that the thrust of the operating left engine had also temporarily decreased. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has classified the case as a serious incident.

HAC carried out all inspections requested by the airframe and engine manufacturers, confirmed that the aircraft was in normal condition, and additionally performed any inspections and maintenance work deemed necessary by the company. As a result, the airline determined that there was no problem with resuming operations. A validation (check) flight will be conducted on January 28.

Since the influence of accumulated snow on part of the airframe is being considered as a factor that led to the serious incident, the airline has implemented preventive measures for aircraft while parked on the ground.