Helicopter wreckage in Kumamoto Aso crater, Japan's Ministry of Environment requests operator to remove it
Following a fatal helicopter crash in Mt. Aso crater involving Taiwanese tourists, Japan's Environment Ministry has formally asked the operator to remove the wreckage, considering remote-controlled machinery due to extreme heat.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 16:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 16:31 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 22:04 (5h 32m after Collected)
In January, a sightseeing helicopter crashed in the Mount Aso area of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, killing two Taiwanese tourists and one Japanese pilot. The wreckage has been located inside the Nakadake crater. Japan's Ministry of the Environment has officially requested the operating company, "Takumi Aviation," to be responsible for removing the wreckage. Relevant authorities continue to study specific operational methods. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the "Aso Volcano Disaster Prevention Council," consisting of the local Aso government, police, and the Ministry of the Environment, held a closed-door meeting yesterday with about 30 attendees. After the meeting, Aso city authorities told reporters that Takumi Aviation and a civil engineering contractor submitted proposals before the 14th. On the 15th, the Ministry formally requested Takumi Aviation to handle the removal. The two proposals differ: Takumi Aviation suggested sending personnel close to the wreckage, while the private contractor proposed using specialized heavy machinery via remote control. The unmanned machinery option would allow access to areas otherwise restricted due to hazardous volcanic gases and wind directions. The meeting confirmed that they will continue to study removal methods. Additionally, the toll road leading to the crater observation area will remain closed to ensure safety. The helicopter lost contact around 11 a.m. on January 20, and the severely damaged wreckage was later found in the Nakadake No. 1 crater. Local fire authorities stated on February 18 that figures suspected to be the male pilot and the two Taiwanese tourists were seen near the wreckage. Due to the extremely harsh environment—with crater walls exceeding 100 degrees Celsius—authorities, after obtaining understanding from the families, abandoned plans to send rescue teams inside. Whether the remains can be retrieved during the removal operation will depend on the conditions at that time.