– Japan has taken drastic action in the wake of a deadly U.S. Air Force Osprey crash, suspending all flights by the aircraft on Thursday. The decision comes after the Osprey crashed into the sea during a training mission.
– In addition to the suspension of flights, Tokyo has called for all Ospreys operating in Japan to be grounded. The only exception to this is for those involved in search and rescue operations related to the crash.
– Japan’s Defense Ministry official, Taro Yamato, announced the suspension and grounding, emphasizing the need for confirmation of the crash details and overall safety of Osprey aircraft.
– The U.S.-made Osprey is known for its unique hybrid capabilities, allowing it to take off and land like a helicopter, while also being able to cruise at high speeds like an airplane.
– As part of the suspension, a planned training flight at the Metabaru army camp in Japan’s Saga prefecture was canceled, affecting all 14 Japanese-owned Ospreys deployed at Ground Self-Defense Force bases.
– Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokzu Matsuno also revealed that Japan has specifically requested the U.S. military to only fly Ospreys in Japan after confirming their safety, except for participation in the ongoing search and rescue efforts at the crash site.
– The U.S. Osprey crashed off Japan’s southern coast, resulting in the tragic death of at least one crew member. The coast guard, along with Japanese troops, initiated search efforts, including the use of sonar to locate the submerged aircraft.
– Over the years, Ospreys have been involved in multiple crashes, prompting concerns about their safety, particularly in locations like Okinawa, which hosts a large number of American military personnel.
– The crash was first reported by a fishing boat near Yakushima, south of Kagoshima, leading to the discovery of debris and the body of a crew member. Reports also emerged about the aircraft’s emergency landing request and eyewitness accounts of its inverted flight before the crash.
– The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command confirmed that the crashed CV-22B Osprey was from Yokota Air Base and assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing. It had departed from Iwakuni and was en route to Okinawa.
– In light of past safety incidents, the Osprey fleet was temporarily grounded, including instances of clutch slips affecting the power distribution to its rotors. Previous clutch-related failures were also linked to a fatal 2022 Marine Corps Osprey crash that killed five individuals.
– The accident in Japan has reignited safety concerns surrounding Osprey aircraft, especially after a similar crash in Australia last year, indicating ongoing challenges for the operators and military authorities.
– All eyes will now be on the investigations into the recent crash and the subsequent actions taken by both U.S. and Japanese authorities to ensure the safety and reliability of Osprey operations.
