On a clear evening in March, FedEx Express Flight 80, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was approaching Narita International Airport after a flight from Guangzhou, China. Despite the calm in the cockpit, conditions on the ground turned troubling as a sudden wind shear and heavy rain impacted visibility. The crew, consisting of Captain Dave W. Floyd and First Officer Thomas D. McNally, began their final descent but encountered significant turbulence that affected their control of the aircraft.

In the moments leading up to the crash, the pilots attempted to stabilize the aircraft, but the situation proved challenging. Witnesses reported the MD-11 struggling to level off as it neared the runway. Moments later, the aircraft struck the ground hard, resulting in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of both pilots instantly. The fuselage was mangled on impact but did not create a catastrophic fire, which often accompanies similar incidents.

Following the crash, investigations were launched by aviation authorities to understand the circumstances and contributing factors. Detailed reviews of flight data and cockpit recordings were conducted to determine what went wrong and how future occurrences might be prevented. The tragic accident raised questions about safe landing protocols in adverse weather and underscored the critical importance of pilot training in recognizing and managing environmental hazards.