Sat, Oct 05, 2024
No Injuries, But Taxiway Is Cratered And Flights Canceled
On October 2, an American World War II-era 500-pound bomb that had lain buried beneath a taxiway at Miyazaki Airport (KMI) in southwestern Japan exploded suddenly and without warning, leaving a crater about 20 feet wide and 3 feet deep in the taxiway.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the explosion, but more than 80 flights were canceled at the international airport, also known as Miyazaki Bougainvillea Airport, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. He said repairs to the taxilane are under way and expects the airport to resume operations on Thursday, October 4.
Domestic flights are operated at the airport by All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and other carriers, connecting Miyazaki to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other cities.
It’s not known at this time what caused the bomb to detonate, but a video from a nearby aviation school showed an airliner taxi past the site and about two minutes later the bomb detonated, showering asphalt and dirt into the air.
Japan Defense Ministry officials said that a number of unexploded bombs dropped by the U.S. military during World War II have been dug up in the area. It is estimated that hundreds of tons of unexploded bombs remain buried around Japan, and sometimes are unearthed at construction sites.
The airport is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan. It was originally a Japanese Naval base during the war and was the launch site of kamikaze missions, so it’s likely that was the reason it was targeted by American bombers.
More News
Waypoint A predetermined geographical position used for route/instrument approach definition, progress reports, published VFR routes, visual reporting points or points for transiti>[...]
Aero Linx: Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven Sentimental Journey Flyin began in 1986 with a group of dedicated volunteers working to provide a sentimental return to Lock Haven, the >[...]
The Pilot Would Often Fly Over Their House At A Low Altitude And That Family Members Would Go Outside To Wave On November 14, 2025, at 1708 eastern standard time, a Jabiru USA Spor>[...]
From 2024 (YouTube Edition): Volatus Infrastructure Paves The Way The name “Volatus” seems to be everywhere these days, popping up in a series of partnerships and proje>[...]
Fortnite Conquers All, Klyde FMI: www.klydemorris.com>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.29.25): Waypoint
See All