Official announcements from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force or relevant search and rescue authorities

Two JMSDF Helicopters Missing, Likely Collided; No Mechanical Failures Found

Apr 22, 2024, 05:48 AM

Two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopters are reported missing near the Izu island chain. A senior MSDF official confirmed that there was no foreign involvement in the incident. Subsequent investigations revealed that the flight data recorders from the helicopters showed no signs of mechanical failure or abnormal data, suggesting the helicopters likely collided with each other. Defense officials have ruled out aircraft issues as a contributing factor to the crash.