The Pentagon has temporarily grounded its V-22 Osprey fleet following an engine failure that led to a near-crash during a flight on November 20.
The incident, which occurred at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, was caused by the breakup of an internal metal component. No fatalities have been reported
The grounding, which began on December 9, was recommended by Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, head of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force have all paused Osprey operations while investigations continue.
The Marine Corps stated its pause would last through at least December 11, while the Navy and Air Force indicated their pauses could last longer.
The incident resembles a fatal crash off the coast of Japan in 2023 that killed eight Air Force personnel. That crash was caused by weak spots, known as inclusions, in the metal gears of the Osprey’s gearbox, leading to catastrophic failure. Investigators found that the weak spots were caused by impurities during the manufacturing process.
In the New Mexico incident, the engine failed due to a similar issue, though the affected part differed from the Japan crash. The crew received early warnings, allowing them to land safely—something investigators believe was aided by lessons learned from the Japan crash.
The V-22 Osprey, which can fly like both a helicopter and airplane, has faced ongoing safety issues since entering service 30 years ago. Crashes involving the aircraft have killed 64 personnel and injured 93. A recent Associated Press investigation found that Osprey components are wearing out faster than expected, and design flaws have contributed to accidents.
The Pentagon has implemented temporary safety measures, including restricting flight times and requiring pilots to take specific actions if they detect signs of mechanical failure. However, NAVAIR has warned that a permanent fix for the Osprey’s metal fatigue issues is unlikely before mid-2025.
The Air Force Special Operations Command spokesperson, Lt. Col. Becky Heyse, said the current pause allows the military “time and space to understand what happened” and to ensure future safety.
The Marine Corps operates over 300 Ospreys, with additional aircraft used by the Air Force and Navy for special operations, logistics, and transport missions. Bell Flight, the company that manufactures the Osprey, is working with the military to improve the durability of its components.
