Migration
Japanese F-15 loses wheel on Okinawa runway, causes delays
January 30, 2017
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in 2015. Dozens of flights experienced delays after a wheel came off a JASDF F-15 at Naha International Airport, Okinawa, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. (Ashley Taylor/U.S. Air Force)
Dozens of flights experienced delays after a wheel came off a Japanese F-15 fighter jet at Naha International Airport on Monday.
The Japan Self-Defense Forces jet lost a front wheel at about 1:20 p.m., shortly before a planned takeoff, Naha airport officials told the Asahi newspaper.
No injuries were reported.
Officials closed the runway for about two hours, according to Asahi. That led to several commercial flights being delayed, diverted or canceled throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Monday print edition of Stars and Stripes could not be delivered on Okinawa because of the shutdown. Subscribers will receive Monday’s newspaper along with their Tuesday delivery.