Japanese T-4 training jet crashes, rescue efforts ongoing

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) training aircraft crashed into an artificial agricultural reservoir in Inuyama, Aichi prefecture, on Wednesday afternoon. Police and the Self-Defense Forces are working to verify the details of the incident.

Shortly after 3:00 pm, a report was made to the fire department in Inuyama, stating that an object resembling an aircraft had crashed into a reservoir, the public broadcaster NHK reported.

The aircraft involved was a T-4 training jet belonging to the JASDF, with two people on board. According to the Ministry of Defense, the jet departed Komaki Air Base in Aichi just after 3:00 pm, and its radar trace disappeared while it was flying near Inuyama, NHK reported.

According to police, the aircraft crashed into Lake Iruka, an artificial reservoir in Inuyama used for agricultural purposes. Rescue efforts are underway, with police, firefighters, and Self-Defense Forces personnel on the scene.

At a news conference later that afternoon, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "We understand that a T-4 training aircraft belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force crashed shortly after taking off from Komaki Air Base. The details are being confirmed by the Ministry of Defense."

The T-4 training aircraft used by JASDF is designed for pilot training. It has a two-person crew and is equipped with two engines. Its flight range without refueling is approximately 1,300 kilometers.

jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn