The Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter that crashed in April off Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture, seems to have experienced a sudden drop in engine power, according to sources.
On the flight data recorder were abnormal noises from the engine and the sound of an alarm about some trouble with the aircraft, according to the sources. It also recorded the pilot and copilot talking to each other to maintain altitude as the engine power dropped.
Besides the pilot and copilot, there were eight other GSDF personnel aboard the UH-60JA multipurpose helicopter, including Lt. Gen. Yuichi Sakamoto, who led the GSDF 8th Division.
