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11 fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash on Awaji Island (JA3115)

Awaji, JapanFlight

On May 1, 1963, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration JA3115) operated by Nitto Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Awaji, Japan in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds and poor weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 May 1963 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 1 May 1963 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 1 May 1963 involved a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, registration JA3115, operated by Nitto Airlines, at Awaji, Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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