The safety and oversight of the V-22 Osprey aircraft have come into question following a series of fatal crashes that have occurred over the years. The House Oversight Committee panel investigating these issues has faced challenges in obtaining critical data and accident reports requested several months ago, according to two committee staffers.
The V-22 Osprey has a troubling history of safety, maintenance, and reliability issues, with a total of 62 service members and civilians losing their lives in 12 accidents since 1992. The most recent crash off the coast of Japan in November claimed the lives of eight U.S. service members and led to the grounding of the entire fleet. While the aircraft has since returned to service with flight restrictions, concerns remain about its safety.
The House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs, has requested information on wear and replacement rates for Osprey proprotor gearboxes, a component linked to a crash in 2023. Additionally, internal crash reports known as safety investigation board reports, which are crucial for identifying safety issues, have not been provided to the committee.
Although the committee has received some documents, much of the information has been redacted, hampering their ability to conduct proper oversight. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about whether Pentagon leadership has adequately addressed longstanding issues with the Osprey program.
In response to previous crashes, the military implemented changes to prevent similar incidents. However, recent events have highlighted the need for greater transparency and rigorous testing to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Testifying before lawmakers on the matter will be Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, head of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command.
The committee is also questioning the long-term sustainability of the Osprey program, as parts are wearing out faster than expected, and budget cuts have impacted operations and maintenance. While the Marine Corps plans to use the Osprey until 2050, the Air Force Special Operations Command is exploring alternative aircraft options for their missions.
Amid these concerns, families of Marines killed in the 2022 California crash have filed a lawsuit against Osprey producers Bell Flight, Boeing Co., and Rolls-Royce, alleging negligence in addressing known safety issues. The ongoing litigation has prevented Boeing and Bell from commenting on the matter.
Despite its popularity among pilots for its speed and versatility, the V-22 Osprey’s safety record remains a topic of scrutiny. With ongoing investigations and concerns about the sustainability of the program, stakeholders are eager to ensure that necessary safety measures are in place to protect service members operating the aircraft.