Accident
Minutes after departing from Ashiya Air Force Base, an aircraft experienced a malfunction of its right propeller, leading to a complete loss of control. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the sea approximately 33 kilometers north of the airfield.
Rescue
Five crew members were able to evacuate the aircraft by parachute before the crash. Four of these individuals were rescued by the crew of a Japanese fishing boat. The remaining three occupants—both pilots and a third person, identified as Robert Sullivan—did not survive.
Investigation
Official findings attributed the accident to a loss of control following a right propeller malfunction.