Japan Coast Guard Investigates Helicopter Crash Following Fatal Medical Transport Incident

On April 9, the Japan Coast Guard conducted a search of SGC Saga Aviation in Saga Prefecture as part of their investigation into a tragic helicopter accident that took place three days prior. The accident involved a medical transport helicopter that was found overturned off the coast of Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, prompting authorities to suspect professional negligence that led to the incident.

The search was led by the Karatsu Coast Guard Office, which expressed concerns about possible evidence being destroyed, necessitating a compulsory search of the aircraft operator. The investigation focuses on the helicopter's operational and maintenance records, as officials plan to recover the aircraft and analyze the accident's causes in detail.

According to sources, the helicopter was under the operation of SGC Saga Aviation, contracted by Fukuoka Wajiro Hospital. It had departed from Tsushima Airport around 1:30 p.m. on April 6, aiming to transport a patient, but went missing shortly after takeoff. A search operation organized by the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters located the helicopter submerged in waters northeast of Iki Island later that day. While three individuals were confirmed dead, including an elderly patient and her son, three others were rescued but required hospitalization due to suspected hypothermia.

The pilot, during voluntary questioning, indicated that he had activated emergency floats, suggesting that the helicopter was forced to land on water. This statement led investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board to believe that a water landing incident was highly probable in this case.