A House Oversight Committee panel is currently investigating the safety and oversight of the V-22 Osprey aircraft following a series of fatal crashes. The committee has expressed concerns over the lack of critical data and accident reports that were requested several months ago.
The V-22 Osprey, known for its unique ability to fly long distances fast like an airplane and land like a helicopter, has a history of safety, maintenance, and reliability issues spanning decades. Since 1992, there have been 12 Osprey accidents resulting in the tragic deaths of 62 service members and civilians.
The most recent crash occurred off the coast of Japan in November, claiming the lives of eight U.S. service members and prompting the military to ground the entire Osprey fleet. Although the aircraft began returning to service in March with flight restrictions, concerns remain.
The House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs, has requested critical information such as wear and replacement rates on Osprey proprotor gearboxes, a component linked to the 2023 crash in Japan. Additionally, internal crash reports conducted by the military, known as safety investigation board reports, have been requested but not yet provided.
Despite receiving approximately 3,500 pages of documents, committee staffers have expressed frustration over redacted information hindering their oversight efforts. There are concerns about the Pentagon's oversight of the Osprey program, with unresolved issues dating back a decade or more.
Testifying before lawmakers will be Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, head of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, responsible for the Osprey program. The committee is particularly interested in the long-term sustainability of the Osprey program, as parts are wearing out faster than anticipated while budget requests for operations and maintenance have been reduced.
The Marine Corps plans to continue using the Osprey until 2050, but the Air Force Special Operations Command is exploring alternative aircraft options for missions. Producers of the Osprey, including Bell Flight, Boeing Co., and Rolls-Royce, are facing a lawsuit from families of Marines killed in a 2022 crash in California.
Despite its popularity among pilots for its speed and versatility, the V-22 Osprey has been involved in multiple accidents and incidents, raising concerns about its safety and long-term viability.
