Over 50 pct of Fatal Air Accidents in Japan Linked to Choppers

October 25, 2018

Tokyo- Of all victims in fatal aircraft accidents that occurred in Japan between 2007 and September this year, 55, or 56 pct, were killed in helicopter accidents, according to the Japan Transport Safety Board.

In 2017, the death toll from chopper accidents totaled 14, including victims of the crashes of a fire helicopter operated by the prefectural government of Nagano, central Japan, and a four-seat helicopter in the village of Ueno in the neighboring prefecture of Gunma, a survey by the board showed.

In August this year, a disaster response helicopter of the Gunma prefectural government crashed into a mountain in the Gunma town of Nakanojo, leaving nine crew members dead.

Of a total of 63 helicopter accidents for which the board drew up investigation reports and serious incidents that could have led to accidents, 55, or over 80 pct, involved such human factors as a lack of attention and misjudgment.

Of 20 major accidents, including collisions and crashes, 19 were linked to such human errors.

According to the report, 20 of the 63 cases took place at airports and other landing fields, followed by mountains, with 18, and farm and mountain forests, with nine.

Many cases occurred in areas susceptible to topographical and meteorological factors. Jiji Press