Pilot Decision, Gear Box Failure Led to Fatal U.S. Osprey Crash Near Japan

The U.S. Air Force investigation revealed that a catastrophic gear box failure, combined with poor pilot decision-making, caused the November crash of a V-22 Osprey off Japan's coast, killing eight crew members. The fleet was grounded following the incident, marking a major concern for the 400 Ospreys in operation.

An Air Force investigation unveiled that a catastrophic failure of the gear box and poor pilot decision-making led to the fatal crash of a U.S. military Osprey aircraft off the coast of Japan in November, claiming the lives of all eight crew members.

The crash, which occurred during a routine training mission on Nov. 29 near Yakushima Island, resulted in the temporary grounding of the entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys. The report highlighted that the mishap was prolonged due to the pilot's decisions, including the failure to land at closer airfields when a warning was received.

Furthermore, the investigation criticized the crew's lack of urgency and the decision to maintain altitude amid adverse conditions. Despite prior opposition to Osprey deployments in Japan, the Japanese government accepted the investigation's findings and pledged to enhance cooperation with the U.S. to ensure flight safety. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the ongoing commitment to prioritize safety measures. The Osprey fleet, primarily used by U.S. military branches, has a contentious safety record, with over 50 personnel fatalities reported since its introduction.

(With inputs from agencies.)