The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced a grounding bulletin for all variants of the V-22 Osprey aircraft as of December 6, 2023.
This precautionary measure follows an operational stand down by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and a recent V-22 Osprey mishap off the coast of Yakushima, Japan on November 29.
“Out of an abundance of caution, following the AFSOC operational stand down, NAVAIR is instituting a grounding bulletin for all V-22 Osprey variants Dec. 6. This decision comes after the V-22 Osprey mishap on Nov. 29, off the shore of Yakushima, Japan.
Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time. While the mishap remains under investigation, we are implementing additional risk mitigation controls to ensure the safety of our service members.
The Joint Program Office continues to communicate and collaborate with all V-22 stakeholders and customers, including allied partners.
The safety of pilots and air crews is our number one priority.”
A “Mishap”? 8 guys are dead! That’s a serious incident / accident!
Yes, unfortunately PR/PC is widespread.
Apparently this is the 17th hull lost, it has gained a bad reputation but It’ll keep flying.
Can play with figures, Blackhawks just googled have more deaths per flown hours.
Mission duration(take offs and landings increase risk) and overall mission risk matters but Blackhawk have had a share of accidents with some legal cases.
A material failure would construe that it was a catastrophic event that led to the crash. Whereby the pilots could not prevent the crash.
I can think of a few reasons that would cause a catastrophic crash for the aircraft. But at this time, I think it is more important to give my sympathy to the crews friends and families.
Agreed, a unified temporary stand down is justified, based on a preliminary investigation identification of a probable component materiel failure. Mourn the dead, extend maximum assistance to the dependents. Behind the curtain, gear up for an extensive investigation, followed by possible/probable redesign initiative. Meanwhile, seriously evaluate an expedited acquisition of Bell V-280, (Not a perfect candidate, but quite possibly a competent, reliable substitute/replacement.) 🤔
Hopefully as terrible as this is there will in newer types be a serious learning curve from this aircraft’s overall experience. No matter how many man hours or how much computer modelling is carried out to improve safety once in service, first of type almost inevitably have design choices that would in retrospect be done differently. One thing certainly learned in the Osprey is NOT to swivel the whole engine which has had knock on effects. Hopefully the V-280 will prove a better overall design but I do wonder what will be the ultimate replacement for Osprey, though better technically but probably less capable overall I suspect.
Agreed, according to reports, that may prove to be the essential trade-off, increased safety and reliability for diminished capability. From a strictly parochial personal viewpoint, would opt for aircrew safety and survival, approximately 100% of the time.
Not only US, Japan also grounded them, actually Japan grounded them first and asked US to do the same.
👍