4 fatalities

2017-05-15: Beechcraft 350 Super King Air (23057) — Japan Air Self-Defense Force - Kōkū Jieitai — Assabu, Japan

Assabu, JapanFlight

On May 15, 2017, a Beechcraft 350 Super King Air (registration 23057) operated by Japan Air Self-Defense Force - Kōkū Jieitai was involved in an aviation accident near Assabu, Japan in flight. 4 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781191886Data APIEditorial standards

A Beechcraft LR-2 Hayabusa (Super King Air 350) crashed into a mountain near Assabu, Hokkaido, while descending to Hakodate in poor weather. All four occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

On a mission to evacuate a patient, a Beechcraft LR-2 Hayabusa—a version of the Beechcraft 350 Super King Air—departed Sapporo-Okadama Airport at 1123 local time. The flight was destined for Hakodate, carrying two doctors and two pilots.

Sequence of Events

While descending to an altitude of 3,000 feet for approach into Hakodate, the crew encountered poor weather conditions characterized by low clouds and rain showers. The aircraft, registered as 23057 (JG-3057), subsequently impacted the slope of a mountain located near the town of Assabu. The impact site is approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Hakodate Airport.

Aftermath

The aircraft disintegrated upon impact. All four occupants—the two pilots and two doctors—were killed. The Japan Transport Safety Board has been investigating the accident.