US military bans all Osprey helicopter flights after 'near crash' and deaths of 8 marines

The US military has grounded the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor with immediate effect after a "near crash" in New Mexico, marking the latest in a series of troubling incidents involving the aircraft. This suspension comes just six months after the Osprey was cleared for flight following a string of fatal accidents.

In a tragic event last year, eight Marines lost their lives off the coast of Japan when substandard steel in a rotor gearbox caused a catastrophic mid-flight failure. This prompted a temporary grounding of the entire Osprey fleet across the Navy, Marines, and Air Force as engineers worked to address the issue.

On December 9, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), responsible for aircraft safety, ordered an immediate grounding of all Ospreys after a close call in November. The incident occurred when an Osprey crew experienced engine failure due to the breakdown of an internal component. Fortunately, no fatalities resulted from the event.

NAVAIR has taken this precautionary step to ensure the safety of personnel while it continues its investigation into the incident. A statement from the command emphasized, "The safety of our V-22 aircrew is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring our Sailors, Airmen, and Marines are able to successfully complete their missions and return home safely."

Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the Navy's chief, acknowledged the ongoing search for solutions to the mechanical issues that led to the Japan crash. He stated earlier this year that he expected a resolution would not be in place until mid-2025.

The V-22 Osprey has seen over 30 fatalities during its 17 years of service, a staggering toll that has prompted a thorough review of all incidents involving the aircraft. Despite the unresolved mechanical issues, the Pentagon resumed Osprey flights under strict limitations after the Japan crash. The most recent accident in 2023 marked the deadliest crash for the US military since the 2009 Afghanistan disaster, which claimed 16 lives.