According to Japanese government officials, a U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jet lost a part while flying over Okinawa.
A 7-inch, 8-pound part called an “eagle claw” fell from the aircraft at approximately 10:30 a.m.
It is unknown where the part fell from the aircraft, but the F-15 had flown along Okinawa’s main thoroughfare, Route 58, and then over the ocean about 60 miles east-southeast from Kadena Air Base, the spokesman said.
Officials from Kadena’s Air Base’s 18th Wing reported the details to the defense bureau Tuesday evening, he said.
“We were told there was no damage or injuries related to the falling part,” the defense bureau spokesman said. “We are currently asking Kadena what this part does and where it belongs in the jet.”
The 18th Wing did not immediately answer questions from Stars and Stripes about the incident.
Bureau officials have also requested more precise details on the aircraft’s flight path and point of origin, the spokesman said.
The incident riled prefectural officials struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
“With everything going on with coronavirus, we just want them to not cause any more trouble at this moment,” a prefectural spokesman told Stars and Stripes on Wednesday.
The official said prefectural authorities were still gathering information about the incident.
“Once we receive enough information, and if necessary, we will lodge a protest with Kadena Air Base over this incident,” he said.
