Fatal aircraft accident during maritime survey in Okinawa Archipelago

12 fatalities • Amami (Amami-Ōshima Island), Japan

A maritime survey flight ended in a fatal crash on Mount Rankan after the crew encountered poor weather conditions.

What happened

During a scheduled maritime survey mission throughout the Okinawa Archipelago, an aircraft crashed into the terrain. While performing its operational duties, the plane encountered marginal weather conditions that complicated the flight. During this period of degraded visibility or difficult flying conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Rankan.

The impact resulted in a total of 12 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the crew members on board. The accident occurred during the operational phase of the survey mission while navigating the mountainous region.

Findings

  • The flight was operating under marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident.
  • The aircraft made contact with the slope of Mt Rankan, leading to the destruction of the plane and the loss of all occupants.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions during a maritime survey mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-09-03 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Amami (Amami-Ōshima Island), Japan?

A maritime survey flight ended in a fatal crash on Mount Rankan after the crew encountered poor weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-09-03 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-09-03 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 4628, operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - Kaijō Jieitai, at Amami (Amami-Ōshima Island), Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions during a maritime survey mission.

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