A catastrophic gearbox failure led to the deadly crash of a CV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan in November, claiming the lives of eight airmen, according to an Air Force investigation. The mishap was compounded by the crew’s decisions during the flight and a prior failure by the Osprey program office to effectively communicate critical data about the aircraft’s gearbox issues.
The crash, which occurred on November 29, involved a CV-22B Osprey from the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing. The investigation, led by Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, now the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, found that the gearbox of the left proprotor experienced “catastrophic failure” due to fatigue cracking. This failure led to debris being released inside the gearbox, ultimately causing the left proprotor to stop turning and the aircraft to enter an unrecoverable spin.
Throughout the flight, the pilots received multiple warnings about metal chips in the gearbox, indicating potential issues. Despite these warnings, the crew decided to continue their mission. After five warnings and a more serious alert, the crew attempted to divert to Yakushima Island. However, the gearbox failed catastrophically during the final approach, making the aircraft uncontrollable.
The Air Force investigation highlighted that while the crew did not violate any policies, their decisions contributed to the crash. The crew’s insufficient discussion of alternative landing options and the failure to prioritize landing sooner were cited as causal factors.
Additionally, the report criticized the Osprey program office for inadequately communicating the risks associated with the gearbox’s internal components. This lack of communication “substantially contributed to the mishap,” according to the investigation summary.
In response to the investigation’s findings, the Air Force has revised its protocols. Crews are now advised to land “as soon as practical” after a single chip burn warning and “as soon as possible” after a second warning. Lt. Gen. Conley emphasized the importance of trusting pilots’ discretion while acknowledging the need for improved communication and training.
The crash has also prompted broader scrutiny of the V-22 Osprey program. Issues with the aircraft’s clutch and gearbox have been known since 2010, leading to recent efforts to implement repair plans and prevent similar incidents. The Pentagon has faced challenges managing the V-22 fleets, resulting in periodic groundings and increased scrutiny from lawmakers and military families.
Expanded Coverage:
