A Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter was on a test flight after having its main rotor replaced when it crashed into a home in Saga Prefecture, killing the two crew members, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Tuesday.
Onodera said that in addition to a regular 50-hour inspection, the aircraft had its main rotor head, which connects to the blades, replaced before the flight.
"We are still looking into the cause of the incident," Onodera told reporters in Tokyo.