A US-made Robinson R44 tourist helicopter was on its third sightseeing trip for the day when it went missing.
There was no issue with its two earlier flights, according to the helicopter’s operator, Takumi Enterprise.
Cloudy weather was observed in the Nakadake area on Tuesday, and search operations were halted Tuesday evening before restarting Wednesday morning.
Takumi Enterprise grounded all of its helicopters following the incident, according to the Jiji news agency.
Helicopter rides over Mount Aso’s volcanic scenery are among the most popular tourist attractions in Kumamoto prefecture, located in southwest Japan.
In 2024, a Takumi Enterprise sightseeing helicopter made an emergency landing over Mount Aso, injuring all three individuals on board.
Mount Aso last erupted in October 2021, spewing a tremendous plume of smoke into the atmosphere.
