5 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Kanoya Air Base

Kanoya AFB, JapanLanding (descent or approach)

On July 8, 1955, a Lockheed P-2 Harpoon operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - Kaijō Jieitai was involved in an aviation accident near Kanoya AFB, Japan during landing or approach. 5 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A military aircraft crashed approximately 500 meters from the runway at Kanoya Air Base during its final approach, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

Following the conclusion of a local training mission, an aircraft was performing its final approach toward the runway at Kanoya Air Base. During this phase of flight, the plane became uncontrollable and descended rapidly. The aircraft struck the ground roughly 500 meters before reaching the threshold of the runway.

All five crew members on board perished in the accident.

Findings

There are no specific findings regarding the technical or mechanical state of the aircraft provided in the initial report, though it is noted that the loss of control occurred during the approach phase.