Congress Launches Investigation into Osprey Program Following Fatal Crash

Following a fatal crash in Yakushima, Japan that claimed the lives of eight Air Force servicemen in late November, an investigation into the V-22 Osprey program has been initiated by a congressional oversight committee. The fleet of Ospreys remains grounded temporarily while the “causal factors” of the crash on November 29 are being investigated, as stated by an Air Force commander. This incident is just one of over a dozen Osprey crashes since 1992.

Expressing concerns about safety and performance issues surrounding the Osprey program, Chairman James Comer of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability issued a press release on Thursday. He also sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting documents and information regarding the safety, maintenance, reliability, and other aspects of the Osprey. Secretary Austin has been given until January 4 to submit the requested paperwork.

Over the past 30 years, more than 50 service members have lost their lives, with the majority of fatalities occurring during training exercises rather than combat.

Ospreys are military aircraft that are capable of vertical takeoff and landing, combining the functionality of both a helicopter and an airplane. The production team behind the V-22 Osprey comprises 500 U.S.-based suppliers and employs 27,000 individuals. Their versatility and high speed make Ospreys an appealing choice for various military operations, as they can transport two-dozen troops twice as fast and five times farther than previous helicopters.

The House Committee previously attempted to investigate the Osprey program by holding a hearing in 2009. However, their efforts to explore the future of the aircraft were hindered due to the Department of Defense’s failure to provide substantial information and documentation prior to the hearing.

Before the recent accident in Japan, the Department of Defense inspector general identified engine failure and reduced visibility as issues faced by Ospreys. Crashes caused by faulty gearboxes have also been documented. Despite attempts to redesign the Navy’s version of the Osprey over the past nine years, these efforts have proven unsuccessful, according to the press release.

Chairman Comer emphasized the need for concern as the Department of Defense grounded the entire Osprey fleet to mitigate risks. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive understanding of the measures taken by the Department of Defense to address any further mechanical risks is crucial for the safety of servicemembers, as stated by Comer.