Aircraft from Japan's ASDF Force meets an accident and plummets off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture.
In an unexpected turn of events, a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter crashed into the ocean off Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Thursday during a training exercise. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The F-2 aircraft involved in the accident took off from the ASDF Hyakuri base, located in the city of Omitama, Ibaraki, at 11:44 a.m. The aircraft was part of the 7th Air Wing and was training in airspace some 150 kilometers northeast of the base with three other F-2 aircraft and two JASDF rescue aircraft at the time of the accident.
Before takeoff, no abnormalities were detected during inspection. The pilot, with about 1,000 hours of flight experience, made an emergency escape after reporting an abnormality to air traffic control. The pilot was safely rescued by a JASDF UH-60J helicopter and taken to a hospital, where no injuries were reported.
Following the crash, the JASDF suspended training flights of F-2 aircraft except those involved in urgent airspace violation responses. The specific cause of the crash remains unknown as the Air Self-Defense Force is still investigating the incident.
Takehiro Morita, chief of staff of the ASDF, apologized for causing concern to the public at an extraordinary press conference on Thursday. He assured that the investigation is underway to determine the detailed technical or mechanical cause of the crash.
It is worth noting that no damage to nearby ships or facilities has been reported. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in high-speed, high-altitude training exercises and the dedication of the JASDF to ensuring the safety of its personnel and the public.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, the JASDF has temporarily halted photo shoots involving F-2 aircraft, prioritizing safety in the wake of the recent mishap.
- Prior to the accident, the pilot had taken a series of sports photos during a previous training session, showcasing the elegant maneuvers of the F-2 aircraft.
