Search Continues for Crew of Crashed Defense Force Trainer Jet
Following the crash of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) T-4 trainer jet, search efforts are still underway as of May 16 for the two missing crew members.
The aircraft went down on May 14 in Lake Iruka, a reservoir located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. The search, led by the Self-Defense Forces, is being carried out in coordination with the prefectural police and the local fire department. A T-4 trainer jet at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Ibaraki Prefecture.
It is suspected that a sudden issue occurred shortly after takeoff. The JASDF is working to determine the cause of the accident as quickly as possible.
Search crews are using civilian boats to comb the entire pond for any signs of the missing crew. Divers have been deployed, and aerial searches are being conducted using helicopters and other aircraft. On May 15, debris believed to be from the aircraft was recovered from the pond.
At a press conference following a Cabinet meeting on May 16, former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani provided updates on the ongoing search and investigation. Firefighters begin search efforts at Lake Iruka on 9:32 AM, May 15, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture.
The T-4 took off from Komaki Air Base in Aichi Prefecture at around 3:06 PM on May 14, heading to Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. On board were First Lieutenant Takuji Iioka, 31, and Second Lieutenant Shota Amitani, 29.
The aircraft maintained a stable flight for about one minute before suddenly losing altitude during a right turn at around 1,400 meters. It disappeared from radar roughly two minutes after takeoff. No emergency call or distress signal has been confirmed.
In response to the crash, the JASDF has temporarily grounded all T-4 aircraft. An internal accident investigation committee is working to determine the cause. However, because the jet was not equipped with a flight recorder (black box), the investigation is expected to be particularly challenging.
In the wake of the crash, words of support have come from abroad. United States Ambassador to Japan George Glass posted on X, stating, "The United States stands ready to offer our Japanese partners all assistance and support, if needed."
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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