Flight Data Recorders From Crashed Japanese Navy Helicopters Show No Sign of Mechanical Failure

A retrieved component which is believed to be a part of a crashed helicopter, on April 21, 2024. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force via AP

TOKYO—An initial analysis of flight data recorders recovered from the crash of two Japanese navy helicopters showed no sign of mechanical problems, Japan’s defense minister said Monday, indicating likely human error. One of the eight crew members died and a search is continuing for the seven others.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said an initial analysis of data from the two flight data recorders on each helicopter showed no abnormality during their flight and that mechanical failure was most likely not the cause of the crash.