Okinawa officials say US military aircraft have been involved in 44 crashes in the prefecture since its return to Japan from US rule in 1972. One of the most recent incidents occurred at a university near the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station. In August 2004, a CH-53 helicopter crashed on the campus of Okinawa International University and burst into flames. 3 crew members were injured. In April 1999, a helicopter of the same type crashed into the ocean off the northern coast of Okinawa's main island, killing 4 crew members.

fire at this week's crash site at Yanbaru Forest, Okinawa.