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2w ago

Left Main Landing Gear Collapses on JASDF F-15 at Naha Airport

Investigators will examine the landing-gear failure to assess safety and operational risks at the shared military-civil Naha Airport.

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The F-15J stopped on the runway at Naha Airport following the left main landing gear's collapse. (Image credit: NHK News)
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Overview

  • The F-15’s left main landing gear collapsed as it landed on Tuesday, Aug. 18, causing the jet to skid and tilt on Runway B while the pilot escaped without injury.
  • Runway B was closed for about four hours while JASDF fire crews responded, the jet was lifted by crane onto a truck and the runway was cleaned and inspected.
  • Naha Airport kept commercial flights moving on its other runway but officials reported delays to roughly 40 passenger flights, some by more than 30 minutes.
  • Officials said the fighter had returned from a scramble or Quick Reaction Alert mission and transport ministry, airport and JASDF investigators have been asked to determine the cause.
  • The mishap highlights risks at joint-use airports because Naha hosts the JASDF 9th Air Wing and comes as Japan weighs upgrades and maintenance needs for its aging F-15 fleet.