According to the transcript of the air traffic control exchange between the Japan Coast Guard plane and the control tower, the pilot of the aircraft was not cleared to take off prior to the deadly crash. The transcript revealed that the pilot requested clearance for takeoff but was told to “remain in place for a while”. The transcript also revealed that the pilot was not sure about his position and asked the controller multiple times for guidance. The pilot was eventually told to “cross check your coordinates and take off regarding airspace”, shortly before the plane crashed. The transcript indicates that the plane did not receive approval to take off and suggests that the pilot may have attempted to take off before receiving official permission from the tower.
