Missing sightseeing chopper in Japan found

Authorities continue to search for 2 Taiwanese passengers, Japanese pilot

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Wreckage found inside a volcanic crater on Mount Aso in southwestern Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture was confirmed to be a sightseeing chopper that went missing Tuesday, the Transport Ministry said Wednesday.

Police and firefighters are searching for the three people on board the helicopter -- two passengers from Taiwan and a Japanese pilot, according to Kyodo News.

The helicopter disappeared during what was meant to be a 10-minute flight after taking off from a zoo in the city of Aso.

Later, a severely damaged object believed to be part of the helicopter was discovered on a slope inside the crater of Mount Nakadake, one of the five peaks on Mount Aso.

Takumi Morioka, president of the helicopter operator Takumi Enterprise, said at a news conference in Aso that he is praying for the survival of those on board.

"We will fully cooperate in the investigation into the cause of the accident," he said.

Mount Aso is an active volcano and a popular tourist destination.

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