Search Intensifies After Helicopter Disappears Near Mount Aso Volcano

Japanese authorities have launched an extensive search operation after a sightseeing helicopter vanished near one of the country’s most active volcanoes. The aircraft lost contact on Tuesday while flying close to Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, triggering an emergency response involving police and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces amid hazardous volcanic conditions.

Last Contact Near Active Crater

According to police, the helicopter went missing after reaching the summit area of Mount Aso, a highly active volcanic complex in southwestern Japan. A police search helicopter later reported discovering what appeared to be an aircraft near the first crater of Nakadake in Aso City. Officials cautioned that the object has not yet been formally identified as the missing helicopter and that further investigation of the site is planned.

Passengers and International Coordination

Authorities confirmed that three people were on board, including the pilot. The two passengers are Taiwanese nationals, identified as a 41-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, according to local media reports. The pilot is believed to be a 64-year-old Japanese man. Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Takashi Kimura said he has been coordinating with Chen Ming-jun, director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Fukuoka, as part of ongoing international liaison efforts related to the search.

Search Efforts and Technical Leads

Japanese police have deployed both aerial and ground search teams, while the Self-Defence Forces have joined the operation due to the difficult terrain. Authorities believe the helicopter’s possible location was narrowed down using mobile phone signal data. However, volcanic activity has significantly complicated the effort, slowing confirmation and recovery work.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Mount Aso is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, located in Kumamoto Prefecture.
• Nakadake is the most active crater within the Mount Aso volcanic complex.
• Japan’s Self-Defence Forces are often deployed for disaster and search operations.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices function as de facto diplomatic missions.

Visibility Severely Restricted by Volcanic Conditions

A watchman stationed at the crater observation post at the Aso Mountain Top Office told NHK that thick smoke and fog were severely restricting visibility in the area. He reported that white volcanic smoke combined with dense fog had turned conditions near the crater “completely white,” underscoring the risks faced by rescue teams as the search continues near the volatile summit.