The Japanese Air Self Defense Force has grounded its fleet of more than 200 F-15J fighters for inspections after part of a vertical stabiliser fell off an aircraft during an air display on November 29.
The jet lost a 2.4 metre long section of the tail plane’s leading edge as it banked away after takeoff, but managed to land safely.
A JASDF spokesman told local media that aircraft will be returned to service after their inspections.