A helicopter carrying three people vanished during a sightseeing flight near Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, prompting a major search operation. The aircraft reportedly lost communication when it reached the summit area of the active volcano. Authorities later found what appeared to be an aircraft near the first crater of Nakadake, but have not yet confirmed whether it is the missing helicopter.
Incident and Search Operation
- The helicopter was on a tourist flight over Mount Aso on Tuesday, 20 January.
- Police deployed a search helicopter after contact with the aircraft was lost.
- Japan’s Self-Defence Forces joined the search effort.
- Officials plan a detailed inspection of the suspected crash site.
People On Board
- Three people were on board, including the pilot.
- The passengers were Taiwanese citizens, identified as a 41-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman.
- The pilot was a 64-year-old Japanese man.
Mount Aso Conditions
- Mount Aso is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes.
- Visibility near the crater was severely reduced by smoke and fog.
- Officials at the mountain top observation post said the area was almost completely white due to poor visibility.
- Mobile phone signal data is being used to help identify the helicopter’s position.
Official Coordination and Safety Concerns
- Kumamoto Prefecture authorities are coordinating with Taiwan’s representative office in Fukuoka.
- The incident has brought into light the risks of sightseeing flights near active volcanic zones.
- Search teams are continuing operations despite difficult terrain and low visibility.