Flight bound for Detroit returns to Tokyo minutes after takeoff due to oil leak

Published: August 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Updated: August 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Flight from Japan to U.S. diverts back to origin due to maintenance issue

TOKYO — An overseas flight bound for the United States was diverted back to Tokyo.

Local 10 photojournalist Chris Hinson was on the flight heading to Detroit, Michigan.

According to Hinson, the plane returned to Tokyo because pilots were not comfortable with the engines being able to cross the ocean.

They were up in the air for approximately 20 minutes.

Maintenance workers reportedly checked the engine and found an oil leak.