TOKYO, Nov 29: A U.S. navy V-22 Osprey plane crashed close to an island in western Japan on Wednesday with eight individuals onboard, Japan’s coast guard mentioned.
A spokesperson for the coast guard mentioned it had deployed patrol boats and plane to the location off Japan’s Yakushima island, however had no additional particulars of the incident, together with the standing of these onboard.
A spokesperson for U.S. forces within the area mentioned they had been nonetheless gathering details about the incident.
The crash occurred about 2:47 p.m. native time (0547 GMT) close to the island’s airport, with witnesses saying the plane’s left engine seemed to be on fireplace because it descended, Japanese media reported, citing native authorities.
The plane disappeared from radar at 2:40 p.m. native time, Japan Chief Cupboard Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno mentioned.
In August, a U.S. Osprey crashed off the coast of northern Australia whereas transporting troops throughout a routine navy train, killing three U.S. Marines.
One other crash-landed within the ocean off Japan’s southern island of Okinawa in December 2016, prompting a brief U.S. navy grounding of the plane.
The lean-rotor aircraft, which might fly each like a helicopter and fixed-wing plane, is operated by the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy and the Japan Self Protection Forces.
The deployment of the Osprey in Japan has been controversial, with critics saying the hybrid plane is susceptible to accidents. The U.S. navy and Japan say it’s secure. (Businesses)
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