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Search-and-rescue continues for two missing Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot, following a helicopter crash near Mount Aso in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture. Japanese authorities have found the helicopter’s remains, but the three victims are still missing. Due to unfavorable weather and geographical conditions, it’s going to be a tough mission for Japanese authorities. Still, the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture promised to spare no effort.
The police temporarily suspended search-and-rescue efforts last night, and resumed it on site this morning, as they assessed the situation and continued to track down the three victims’ whereabouts.
Early in the morning, Japanese authorities gathered almost 50 rescuers by Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. They are now part of a command center guiding the search-and-rescue mission for the two missing Taiwanese tourists and Japanese pilot. The conditions were harsh, with temperatures dipping as low as -4.2°C. Snowfall persisted, and volcanic gases filled the air, making it difficult to get close to the crater and thus hindering their efforts.
The search is on. However, due to harsh weather and a high concentration of volcanic gases, it’s a tough road ahead for the mission.
Thick smoke significantly lowered visibility around the crater and drones couldn’t be deployed, making the mission almost impossible. A day earlier, rescuers identified remains of the helicopter by the largest crater of Mount Aso. However, the two Taiwanese tourists and the 64-year-old Japanese pilot remain missing. The incident sparked discussions about the helicopter itself.
They flew on a Robinson R44, a light, four-seat single-engine helicopter. It’s simple, lightweight and cost-effective. According to an expert, turbulence can be quite strong near a volcanic crater, making this non-fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft a rather risky choice.
Hwang Tay-lin
Chang Jung Christian University
This is the single-engine Robinson R44 helicopter. It was actually manufactured more than 30 years ago. In the event that the engine malfunctions, there isn’t another engine to keep it up. Additionally, it can be quite turbulent in volcanic areas. A light helicopter plus turbulence multiplies the risk.
Family members of the two Taiwanese tourists arrived in Japan Wednesday, assisted by Taiwan’s representative office in Fukuoka. The governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kimura Takashi also issued a statement on video, promising to spare no effort in the search-and-rescue mission.
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