A helicopter crash in the crater of Mount Aso, in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture on January 20th has prompted a large-scale salvage operation. The crash resulted in the deaths of two individuals on board. Japanese authorities are preparing to spend approximately 440 million yen (roughly $3 million USD) to recover the wreckage. The challenging terrain and active volcanic environment pose significant difficulties for the salvage team. The operation aims to retrieve the helicopter for investigation into the cause of the crash and to recover any remaining debris. Authorities have been coordinating with volcanologists to ensure the safety of the recovery personnel, given the potential for volcanic activity. The salvage is expected to be a complex and lengthy process.