TOKYO — A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) training aircraft crashed into a lake in central Japan shortly after takeoff, prompting an urgent search and rescue mission for the two crew members on board, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The T-4 jet, a domestically developed two-seater trainer used in basic pilot instruction, lost radar contact at 3:08 p.m. local time soon after departing from Komaki Air Base, according to Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.
Speaking at a press briefing, Nakatani said authorities were still working to determine the cause of the crash and emphasized that saving lives remains the top priority. He added that a component believed to be from the aircraft was discovered nearby, but its origin had not yet been confirmed.
The jet was flying in the vicinity of Lake Iruka, located near Inuyama city, just north of Nagoya. Fire department spokesperson Hajime Nakamura reported that while no wreckage had been visually located, an aerial survey spotted oil slicks on the lake’s surface, possibly indicating the crash site.
National broadcaster NHK aired aerial images showing scattered debris and a visible oil sheen, suggesting an impact into the lake. Local media, including Jiji Press, reported that no homes or buildings in the area were damaged as a result of the incident.
The T-4 trainer, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, is a critical component of Japan’s military pilot training program. As search operations continue, authorities have yet to disclose the identities or conditions of the two personnel aboard.