Naha, Japan: An ANA Boeing 737-800 operating flight NH1502 from Okinawa Naha Airport to Saga Airport returned to Naha on 23 September 2026 after the crew detected abnormal oil temperature in the right engine during climb. The aircraft, registration JA86AN, was carrying 152 passengers, including four infants, and six crew members. Three passengers suffered minor scratches during the subsequent emergency evacuation.
The aircraft, operated by ANA Wings, departed Naha at about 20:58 local time. At around 21:19, while climbing after departure, the crew observed aircraft vibration and an indication that the right engine’s oil temperature was abnormally high.
The right engine was shut down, and the crew requested priority handling from air traffic control before returning to Naha Airport. The aircraft landed at about 22:05 and stopped on a taxiway, where all passengers and crew evacuated using the emergency slides. No fire or smoke was reported.
ANA said in its official notice: “At approximately 21:19, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, ANA Flight 1502 (from Okinawa Naha to Saga), experienced an issue with one of its engines while flying over Okinawa Naha Airport.” The airline added: “After requesting priority handling from air traffic control, the aircraft returned to Okinawa Naha Airport and landed safely.” ANA further stated: “Following the landing, all passengers and crew members evacuated the aircraft on the taxiway using the emergency evacuation slides.”
According to ANA, the incident was officially classified as a “Serious Incident” by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism at 22:45 on 23 September. The airline said: “ANA will fully cooperate with the Japan Transport Safety Board in its investigation to determine the cause of the incident.” ANA also apologised for the concern and inconvenience caused and said passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority.
The Japan Transport Safety Board is investigating the incident. The exact cause of the right-engine problem has not yet been established. ANA NH1502 was cancelled after returning to Naha, while ANA planned a temporary NH1326 service from Naha to Fukuoka on 24 September.
