(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The United States military has decided to suspend the operations of V-22 Osprey aircraft, a week after a similar aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan, resulting in the loss of eight passengers.
This action by the United States follows Japan’s earlier decision to suspend operations of the tilt-rotor aircraft, with critics stating that this type of aircraft is prone to accidents.
The V-22 Osprey is a unique aircraft that can function as both a helicopter and a propeller-driven plane.
“Information from preliminary investigations indicates that potential materiel-related issues may have contributed to the accident, but the exact cause is still unknown at this time,” according to a statement from the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
AFSOC states that the suspension of the aircraft’s operations allows time and space for an investigation to determine the cause and recommendations to ensure the safe resumption of V-22 Osprey operations.
The recent accident occurred during a routine training flight last week on Yakushima Island, approximately 1,040 km south of the capital, Tokyo.
According to Boeing, a total of 400 V-22 Osprey aircraft have been produced, with the majority being used by the United States Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy of this major power.
Following the recent incident, Japan has also suspended the operations of its V-22 Osprey aircraft and has requested the United States to take similar actions.
“Ensuring flight safety is the primary goal in any aircraft operation. We will continue to request the United States to share information to ensure flight safety,” said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.
Initially, the United States military only suspended the operations of Osprey aircraft from the affected unit.
The frequency of V-22 Osprey aircraft accidents resulting in the loss of military personnel has led the leadership of the United States military to propose the termination of service for this unique aircraft.
In 2016, an Osprey aircraft was also involved in an accident in the Land of the Rising Sun, leading the United States to suspend Osprey operations in Japan.
According to information from the Flight Safety Foundation, approximately 50 people have been killed in accidents involving this aircraft, either during operations or testing.
Last August, three members of the United States Marine Corps died in an Osprey aircraft accident off the northern coast of Australia during military exercises.
In the previous year, four members of the United States military were killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed in a remote area in northern Norway during a NATO military exercise.
In 2017, three members of the United States Marine Corps died when an Osprey aircraft crashed in the waters off northern Australia, while in 2000, 19 Marine Corps members were killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed during exercises in Arizona. — DSA
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