Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft departed Yao Airport at 1157 local time on a leisure flight to Fukushima, carrying one pilot and one passenger. Minutes after departure, the pilot reported an unexpected situation to air traffic control and was cleared to return to Yao Airport.
Sequence of Events
At an altitude of 17,200 feet and a speed of 150 knots, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. During the descent, the aircraft partially disintegrated in mid-air and subsequently crashed in a hilly, wooded area near the village of Yamazoe. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. Both occupants were killed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that it is highly probable the aircraft lost control during flight, nose-dived while turning, and disintegrated in mid-air, resulting in the crash. Additionally, it is somewhat likely that the loss of control occurred because the captain did not possess the pilot skills and knowledge necessary for the operation of the aircraft and was unable to perform proper flight operations.