(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, at around 3:08 p.m., a T-4 training aircraft belonging to the 5th Air Wing of the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF), which had taken off from Komaki Air Base and was en route to Nyutabaru Air Base, went off radar near Lake Iruka in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture and crashed. Two personnel were aboard the aircraft. An accident investigation committee has already been established under the Air Staff Office. We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people. Currently, two UH-60 helicopters, one U-125 aircraft, and ground units from ASDF as well as subordinate units from the Ground Self-Defense Force 10th Division have already arrived at the scene and are conducting search operations in the area, together with the police and fire department. In response to this incident, I issued three instructions at 3:40 p.m. The first is to grasp the situation of the Self-Defense Force aircraft concerned and conduct a search and rescue immediately. The second is to confirm the extent of any damage in the surrounding area. The third is to promptly provide information to the local governments concerned. Notifications have already been sent to the local governments concerned, including Aichi Prefecture and Inuyama City. Regarding damage in the area, we have received reports of oil floating on the surface of the lake, and we are working to recover it. In addition, a part of the aircraft has been discovered near the crash site. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. We remain committed to performing lifesaving rescue operations. We deeply apologize to everyone affected by this incident. While I have no further details, the Chief of Staff of ASDF will be holding a press conference shortly.