JAL airplane returns to airport after takeoff due to engine trouble

TOKYO, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Japan Airlines plane which headed for Matsuyama in southwestern Japan returned to Tokyo's Haneda airport shortly after takeoff Tuesday evening due to engine trouble, local press reported.

None of the 138 passengers and six crew members on flight 1471, operated by JAL Express Co., was injured, but the Transport Ministry has decided that it was a serious incident that could have led to an accident as extensive damage was found inside the engine, an official from the ministry was quoted by Kyodo News as saying.

Three inspectors sent by the Japan Transport Safety Board, affiliated with the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, will arrive at the airport Wednesday to further investigate the case, the report said.

Sourced: Xinhuanet