Single-engine aircraft crash on Awaji Island

11 fatalities • Awaji, Japan • Flight

A single-engine airplane crashed into a mountainside on Awaji Island during flight through heavy weather, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a period of adverse meteorological conditions, a single-engine aircraft collided with a mountain slope on Awaji Island. The terrain was obscured by dense cloud cover at the time of the impact. Following the accident, search efforts located the debris field several hours after the event occurred.

Findings

All 11 fatalities were recorded among the occupants of the aircraft.
The flight was operating in poor weather conditions characterized by low visibility and heavy cloud cover.
The impact occurred while the aircraft was in the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds and poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1963-05-01 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident near Awaji, Japan?

A single-engine airplane crashed into a mountainside on Awaji Island during flight through heavy weather, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1963-05-01 De Havilland DHC-3 Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1963-05-01 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration JA3115, operated by Nitto Airlines, at Awaji, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?