No Radome Collapse: BEA Findings and Japan’s Response

(OSAKA, JAPAN) Reports of an “Air France A350 radome collapse” on an Osaka–Paris flight have circulated online, but available public records do not back up a collapse. The closest documented event points instead to damage to the nose cone (radome) on an Airbus A350-900 operating Air France Flight AF291 from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to Paris Charles de Gaulle on May 28, 2023.

Incident summary and aircraft details

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900, registration F-HTYO
• Flight: Air France Flight AF291 (Kansai → Paris CDG)
• Date: May 28, 2023
• People on board: 324
• Outcome: Returned safely to Kansai after crew reported malfunctions

Preliminary reporting and available records link the problem to damage to the radome, with initial indications pointing to a bird strike rather than a catastrophic structural failure. The crew reported weather radar and airspeed malfunctions that were associated with the radome damage, and the aircraft returned safely to the departure airport.

The distinction between radome damage and a radome collapse matters for aviation safety and for passengers whose travel plans and legal timelines may be affected by delays and returns.

Investigation and regulatory actions

• Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB): Opened a preliminary investigation because the flight departed from Kansai. The JTSB coordinated with Air France on inspection and recovery steps. Public records do not show named JTSB official statements or specific Japanese regulatory actions beyond the investigation itself. The JTSB’s involvement reflects standard cross-border procedures when an incident originates in Japan.

• Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) (France): Took the lead as the investigating authority and later issued a final report. The BEA’s conclusions:

  • Pointed to likely causes linked to the radome damage.
  • Highlighted crew decision-making related to initially continuing the flight.
  • Recommended stronger radome inspection practices for Airbus A350 operations to help prevent similar issues.

Airline response and operational impact

• Air France grounded the aircraft F-HTYO for repairs after the Kansai incident.
• There were no further reported disruptions on the Osaka–Paris route linked to this case in the public record.
• The relatively quiet operational resolution (repairs, return to service) likely contributed to later recollections becoming exaggerated or unclear.

Reporting since the incident

A later article dated December 12, 2025 referred to “mysterious radome damage” in Osaka involving an Air France A350, but did not present any new evidence of a collapse, response, or developments beyond the May 28, 2023 event. The available source material states there is no confirmed record of a radome “collapse” (i.e., catastrophic detachment) in Air France A350 history. Other Airbus A350 incidents (for example, tail strikes) have occurred elsewhere, but those are distinct events and should not be conflated with the Kansai case.

Immigration and traveler implications

The incident highlights how an otherwise contained safety event can have outsized effects on passengers whose plans are tied to strict dates and deadlines.

• People potentially affected include:
  • Travelers connecting onward in Europe
  • International students with fixed start dates
  • Workers with time-limited entry or start dates
  • Visitors with booked hotels, tours, or immigration-dependent schedules
• Common traveler concerns after a return or delay:
  • Will a missed arrival date affect school enrollment or visa validity?
  • Will a visa start date be considered wasted?
  • Will border officials accept evidence that the delay was caused by a safety-related return?

There is no single, universal answer because airlines do not control border decisions. Practical steps travelers can take:

1. Keep documentation of the incident:
   • Rebooking confirmations
   • Delay or disruption letters from the airline
   • Any official incident references or reports provided by the carrier
2. Present this documentation to employers, schools, or consular/immigration authorities when explaining changed travel dates.
3. Consult official immigration guidance relevant to departure and destination countries.

VisaVerge.com analysis cited in the source material emphasizes that a clear paper trail often matters most when explaining late arrivals, gaps, or rebooked itineraries.

Official immigration guidance

For travelers departing Japan or seeking authoritative guidance about entry and residence rules, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan provides official information online:

• https://www.isa.go.jp/en/

This site can help travelers confirm requirements and understand options if plans change due to disruptions.

Key takeaways

• The public record points to radome damage on AF291 on May 28, 2023, not a confirmed radome collapse.
• The aircraft returned safely to Kansai and was grounded for repairs.
• Investigations by JTSB and the BEA resulted in recommendations, including stronger radome inspection practices for A350s.
• Passengers should retain all documentary evidence of delays or returns to help address immigration, employment, or enrollment issues that depend on travel dates.

The aviation portion follows a familiar pattern: an incident occurs, cross-border investigators coordinate, and a final report issues safety recommendations. The human side—passengers whose legal status or plans hinge on travel dates—is quieter but no less significant. In this case, available public records support the conclusion of radome damage and a safe return, while underscoring how a single turnaround can create real downstream consequences for travelers.