A light plane taking off from a small airport in Chofu in western Tokyo slammed into a home last Sunday, killing the pilot and two other people, and injuring five more. Given the densely populated area around the airport, many more people could have been injured, including a field of young soccer players. The crash demands a complete investigation and thorough review of all safety procedures for the operation of light aircraft flying in and out of small airports.

Though engine trouble or some other type of malfunction is suspected as the cause of this crash, the licensing, safety and training issues surrounding the flight appear, at first report, to be dubious. Much more fuel than needed was being carried by the plane, abnormally increasing its weight. The pilot was leasing the plane from a private company that was responsible for maintenance. Because such maintenance can mean the difference between a fun weekend outing and the tragedy that unfolded last Sunday, the transport ministry should reconsider its policies and increase its vigilance over all companies responsible for the maintenance of light aircraft.

The pilot ran a flight school — but without the necessary authorization from the transport ministry to use aircraft for training. Regardless, he operated the company through a loophole, running it as a "club membership" rather than as a "plane-using operation." The transport ministry should investigate such "clubs" and ensure that all flights follow all regulations.