Japan Ground Self-Defence Force S-70/UH-60JA Crash

A Japan Ground Self-Defence Force UH-60JA helicopter disappeared from radar and came down in the sea near Miyakojima, in Okinawa Prefecture, during a reconnaissance flight over the surrounding waters. Ten personnel were aboard, among them senior officers of a Ground Self-Defence Force division, and a large air and sea search was launched after debris was sighted. The flight was surveying terrain in an area where Japan has been expanding garrisons and missile units along its south-western islands. The Ground Self-Defence Force suspended UH-60JA flights while the cause of the accident was investigated.