A tragic incident involving a T-4 training jet belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has claimed the lives of two pilots, making headlines across the country. The details of the crash were shared by Air Force Chief of Staff, General Hiroaki Ushikura, during a press conference on Thursday.
Crash Occurred Minutes After Takeoff from Komatsu Air Base
The incident occurred on May 14, 2025, when a T-4 training aircraft took off from Komatsu Air Base in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. Just minutes into the flight, the jet reportedly collided with a fuel tank and crashed. Autopsy reports confirmed that the two crew members, aged 29 and 31, died approximately two minutes after takeoff.
All Training Jets Grounded
Following the crash, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force temporarily grounded all 196 T-4 training jets in its fleet. An urgent inspection process has been launched to determine whether any technical faults may have contributed to the accident.
