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The list of Aviation Accidents in Japan Involving U.S. Military and Government Aircraft Post-World War II details incidents that occurred following Japan's defeat in World War II, when the United States established a substantial military presence with various air bases in Japan. The operations of U.S. military and government aircraft, including those by agencies such as the CIA, led to several aviation accidents, often caused by mechanical failures, pilot errors, and challenging flying conditions. These events significantly affected U.S.-Japan relations, military policies, and safety protocols.

Background

Following World War II, the US Air Force established several bases across Japan, including Okinawa, Misawa, and Yokota. The strategic positioning of these bases was crucial during the Cold War, as they served as launching points for operations in Asia. However, the increased frequency of military flights in Japanese airspace led to a corresponding rise in aviation accidents. Many of these accidents were caused by technical malfunctions, pilot errors, and adverse weather conditions, which were exacerbated by the heavy air traffic around military installations.

Notable Incidents

Tachikawa air disaster

Main article: Tachikawa air disaster

On June 18, 1953, a C-124 Globemaster II crashed shortly after takeoff from Tachikawa Air Base, killing all 129 passengers and crew on board. The accident was attributed to engine failure and improper flap usage, which led to a stall and an unrecoverable dive. This incident was the deadliest military plane crash at the time and remains a significant point of reference in discussions about military aviation safety.

1959 Okinawa F-100 crash

Main article: 1959 Okinawa F-100 crash

The 1959 Okinawa F-100 crash occurred on June 30, 1959, when a U.S. F-100 fighter jet crashed into Miyamori Elementary School in Ishikawa, Okinawa, killing 18 people, including 11 students, and injuring 210 others. The crash led to protests against U.S. military presence in Okinawa and calls for the return of the islands to Japan.

CIA Black Jet Incident

Main article: CIA Fujisawa Airfield Black Jet Incident

See this article 黒いジェット機事件

Other incidents

1956 United Air Force North American FJ-2 Fury crash

The Shinkoiwa Station Front U.S. Military Aircraft Crash Incident occurred on February 3, 1956, when a U.S. FJ-2 fighter jet, part of a three-aircraft group from Atsugi Air Base, crashed near Shinkoiwa Station, Tokyo. The aircraft was conducting unauthorized training over urban areas, violating the agreement prohibiting U.S. military flights over Japanese cities. The jet suffered an engine failure at 30,000 feet during a sharp turn, entered a tailspin, and crashed into a densely populated residential area, causing an explosion and fire that damaged five houses and injured several civilians. Japanese fire brigades struggled to extinguish the fire, which was fueled by jet fuel, requiring additional chemical fire trucks. The U.S. military was slow to respond and initially refused to release the pilot's name, stating that the next of kin needed to be informed first. The frequent crashes of U.S. aircraft in Japan were attributed to the transition from propeller to jet aircraft and short runways. Japanese police and media demanded more transparency from the U.S. military, reflecting growing public concern over the repeated accidents.

1957 United Air Force Ryan Navion accident

The 1957 United Air Force Ryan Navion accident occurred on February 3, 1956, when a U.S. FJ-2 fighter jet crashed near Shinkoiwa Station, Tokyo, during unauthorized training over urban areas. Three FJ-2 jets from Atsugi Air Base flew over densely populated regions, ignoring regulations set by the Japanese government and USFJ that prohibited flight training over cities. Around 11:00 a.m., one jet experienced engine failure during a sharp turn at 30,000 feet, entered a tailspin, and crashed into a residential area in Katsushika, igniting a large fire that destroyed five houses and injured several civilians, including a woman who suffered a broken leg and others with burns. Despite the efforts of multiple fire brigades, the fire was only extinguished after several hours. The U.S. military was slow to respond, and initially withheld the pilot's name. Repeated accidents were attributed to the transition from propeller to jet aircraft. Japanese police and media demanded transparency from the U.S. military.

2023-2024 United Air Force V-22 Osprey crashes

The 2023-2024 United Air Force V-22 Osprey crashes include several significant incidents involving the U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft, primarily during training missions. The most notable of these crashes occurred on November 29, 2023, off the coast of Yakushima, Japan, when a CV-22 from the 21st Special Operations Squadron crashed during a joint interoperability exercise. The crash resulted in the deaths of all eight airmen on board. Investigations revealed that the crash was due to a catastrophic failure in the left-hand prop rotor gearbox, causing an unrecoverable loss of control. Following this incident, the U.S. military grounded its entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys, and Japan also temporarily grounded its Osprey fleet as a precaution.

Another incident occurred in August 2023 when an MV-22 Osprey assigned to the United States Marine Corps crashed during a training exercise in Australia, killing three Marines. The cause of this crash remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest possible pilot error and challenging flight conditions contributed to the accident.

Additionally, on September 14, 2023, two Marine V-22 Ospreys in Japan had to divert within hours of each other due to "cockpit caution indications" while flying near where the Air Force Osprey later crashed. These incidents prompted further scrutiny and contributed to the decision to ground the fleet temporarily.

The crashes led to a comprehensive review and investigation by the U.S. military and other agencies, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO), into the safety record of the V-22 Osprey fleet. The GAO is examining trends among the aircraft's multiple accidents, maintenance issues, and risk management practices across the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps fleets.

Impact on US-Japan Relations

The repeated aviation accidents involving US military aircraft have strained US-Japan relations, particularly among communities near US bases. Compensation for damages and injuries caused by these accidents has often been a contentious issue, with Japanese citizens calling for more accountability and transparency from the US military. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the US and Japan, which outlines the legal status of US military personnel in Japan, has been frequently debated in light of these incidents.

Changes in Military Policy and Safety Measures

In response to these accidents, the US military has implemented several changes to improve safety protocols and reduce the likelihood of future incidents. These measures include stricter maintenance schedules, enhanced pilot training programs, and more rigorous flight safety checks. Additionally, there have been efforts to improve communication and cooperation with Japanese authorities to ensure prompt and effective responses to any future accidents.

See Also

• List of aviation accidents and incidents involving military aircraft
• United States Forces Japan
• U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement

External links

• US Air Force Safety Center
• Ministry of Defense Japan