On July 7, 2024, Air Do’s flight 73 from Tokyo Haneda to Kushiro encountered hydraulic system issues which, combined with unfavorable weather conditions in Kushiro, prompted the crew to divert to Memanbetsu, which is located about 100 miles further north.
The flight was operated by an 18-year-old Boeing 737-700, which was delivered to ANA in 2006 and later transferred to Air Do in 2013. It was pushed back from its parking spot at Tokyo Haneda on time, at 4:15PM, with 143 of its 144 seats occupied and took off from the airport’s runway 16R at 4:30PM. While it was scheduled to land at Kushiro at 5:55PM, it ultimately landed on Memanbetsu Airport’s runway 18 at 6:13PM.
Being unable to move on its own after landing due to issues with hydraulics, the aircraft had to be towed to its parking spot at Memanbetsu Airport According to the airport, signs of oil leak were found on the runway.
Memanbetsu Airport’s runway had to be temporarily closed for the leaked oil to be removed. As a result, four departures out of and two arrivals to the airport on the day were canceled. Additionally, Air Do’s and JAL’s flights from Tokyo diverted to Sapporo New Chitose and Hokkaido Air System’s flight from Sapporo Okadama that was en route returned to its departure airport.
The aircraft involved in the incident remains on the ground in Memanbetsu.
