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Updated 21 January 2026 - Search teams have resumed operations after suspending efforts overnight.
Helicopter vanishes during short tourist flight
A sightseeing helicopter carrying three people disappeared near Mount Aso, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, on Tuesday morning. The aircraft departed from a zoo in Aso City at 10:52 local time (01:52 GMT) for a 10-minute tour but failed to return, police sources told local media.
Possible wreckage sighted in volcanic crater
A police helicopter detected an object resembling the missing aircraft inside the crater of Nakadake-one of Mount Aso's five peaks-around 16:00. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the debris belongs to the vanished helicopter.
Passengers and pilot identified
The helicopter was piloted by a 64-year-old veteran with four decades of experience, according to local reports. His passengers were a Taiwanese man and woman. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 manufactured in the U.S., had completed two uneventful sightseeing flights earlier in the day, its operator, Takumi Enterprise, stated.
Weather and safety concerns halt initial search
Cloud cover over the Nakadake area hampered visibility on Tuesday, forcing search teams to pause operations by evening. Efforts resumed Wednesday morning. Takumi Enterprise has grounded its entire helicopter fleet pending an investigation, Jiji news agency reported.
Tourist flights over Mount Aso a regional attraction
Helicopter tours of Mount Aso's volcanic landscapes are a major draw for visitors to Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. However, the area has seen previous incidents. In 2024, another Takumi Enterprise helicopter made an emergency landing over Mount Aso, injuring all three occupants.
Volcano's recent activity
Mount Aso last erupted in October 2021, sending a large plume of smoke into the sky. Authorities monitor the volcano closely due to its frequent activity.
