11 fatalities

Training Flight Ends in Stall and Crash During Low Pass (5801)

Iwakuni AFB, JapanTakeoff (climb)

On April 26, 1983, a Shin Meiwa PS-1 (registration 5801) operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - Kaijō Jieitai was involved in an aviation accident near Iwakuni AFB, Japan during takeoff. 11 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A seaplane on a training flight for an airshow performed a solo low pass, stalled during a right turn, and crashed onto a concrete bank. Three occupants were seriously injured and 11 were killed.

Incident Overview

A seaplane operating a local training flight in preparation for an upcoming airshow crashed after performing a low pass over the runway. The aircraft was completing circuits in formation with other airplanes before conducting a solo maneuver.

Sequence of Events

After several circuits with other aircraft, the crew initiated a solo low pass over the runway. The seaplane flew at an altitude of 100 feet and a speed of 65 knots. As it approached the end of the runway, the pilot-in-command began a right turn. During this turn, the aircraft adopted a nose-high attitude, stalled, and descended onto a concrete bank that separated the tarmac from an ammunition storage building.

Casualties

The crash resulted in three occupants sustaining serious injuries. Eleven other occupants were killed. The total number of people on board was not specified in the source.

Investigation

The source does not provide a probable cause for the accident. No information on aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, or other details was given.