Aircraft collision with Mt Mihara during flight from Tokyo to Osaka

37 fatalities • Mt Mihara (Oshima Island), Japan • Flight

An aircraft traveling between Tokyo and Osaka crashed into a volcano on Oshima Island, resulting in the deaths of all 37 people on board.

What happened

While operating a flight from Tokyo to Osaka, an aircraft known as 'Mokusei' struck the slopes of Mt Mihara on Oshima Island. The incident occurred approximately 100 km south of Tokyo during a period of marginal weather conditions. At the time of the impact, the plane was in its cruise phase of flight.

Search efforts located the wreckage several hours after the event. The accident resulted in 37 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants. Evidence suggested that the aircraft had deviated from its intended flight path prior to the collision.

Findings

An investigation conducted by the Japanese government's accident committee faced significant hurdles, as occupation authorities declined to release radio recordings of communications between Haneda Airport control and the distressed aircraft. Despite this lack of specific audio evidence, the official aviation agency report concluded that the primary factor was a pilot operational error.

Probable cause

The crash was attributed to an operational error made by the pilot during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-04-09 Martin 202 accident near Mt Mihara (Oshima Island), Japan?

An aircraft traveling between Tokyo and Osaka crashed into a volcano on Oshima Island, resulting in the deaths of all 37 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-04-09 Martin 202 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 37 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-04-09 involved a Martin 202, registration N93043, operated by Japan Airlines, at Mt Mihara (Oshima Island), Japan.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was attributed to an operational error made by the pilot during flight.

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