New Delhi, Jan. 22 -- Rescuers spotted wreckage believed to be from a sightseeing helicopter carrying three people that went missing near one of Japan's most active volcanoes, authorities said Wednesday.

The helicopter lost contact during what should have been a scenic 10-minute flight over Mount Aso in southern Japan on Monday, according to a flight operator and local authorities.

Local police said wreckage, possibly of the missing helicopter, was spotted inside the crater of Nakadake, one of Mt. Aso's five peaks, on Tuesday. However, strong winds and volcanic gases hampered the rescue operation, fire department officials said.

Takumi Morioka, head of the helicopter tour operator Takumi Enterprise, said during a news conference Wednes...