KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — On the first day of the temporary transfer of Japan Air Self-Defense Force jets here from their Naha base, one of the F-4 fighters was forced to make a precautionary landing Tuesday because of a hydraulics failure.
The plane was one of four jets to make the transfer while runway repairs are being made to the JASDF’s air base, said Daisuke Yamaguchi, the unit’s chief public affairs officer.
“After the first two landed, one of the two in the second group experienced the trouble,” he said. The problem was with the hydraulic system controlling the brakes, he said.
“The aircraft experienced … trouble with [its] hydraulic system while in the air,” Yamaguchi said. “Although it did not pose any danger to aviation, to ensure safety, it made the landing by using a hooking wire.” No one was injured in the landing, he said.
The fourth jet was unable to land because of the mishap and returned to Naha, he said. Later Tuesday, the plane returned along with another jet to replace the one with the hydraulics problem. The cause of the problem is being investigated, Yamaguchi said.
The Japanese fighters are scheduled to use Kadena for about six months.
JASDF officials from Naha visited Kadena Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon and apologized for the incident.
Chiyomi Sumida contributed to this report.
