US military aircraft crash in Japan leaves one dead

A US military Osprey aircraft, which was carrying eight people, crashed into the sea in western Japan, with the spokesperson from the Japan Coast Guard confirming the death of at least one person. 

According to CNN, the Coast Guard received information about the crash around 2:47pm local time (12:47am ET). The spokesperson said that a patrol boat and aircraft were dispatched to the crash area after receiving the information. 

Meanwhile, three other people were found in surrounding waters and their conditions are currently unknown, according to a British media outlet.

The Coast Guard said that he saw a wreckage from the tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey and a person who seemed to be non-responsive was found about 3 kilometres from Yakushima island.

Another Osprey landed at the island's airport safely today around the time of the crash, said a spokesperson for the local government. 

The US forces, who are in the region, are gathering information about the crash, said a spokesperson. 

There are about 54,000 US troops in Japan with a large number in the southern island chain. 

As per media reports, witnesses said that the aircraft's left engine appeared to be on fire as it was descending. Japan also sought an investigation into the crash from the US military. 

Osprey is operated by US Marines, the US Navy and Japan Self Defense Forces.

There have been reports that the aircraft is prone to incidents, with the US military and Japan denying the accusations. 

In August, another Osprey crashed off the coast of northern Australia which led to the death of three US Marines. 

One of the aircraft was crashed in 2016 in Okinawa, Japan.