Osprey Safety Concerns: Lessons from Recent Crashes

The U.S. military has grounded its entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys due to safety concerns following a recent deadly crash off the coast of Japan. The Osprey, which takes off and lands like a helicopter but can fly like an airplane, has a history of mechanical problems, including issues with the clutch and concerns about the manufacturing of its parts. The grounding comes after a preliminary investigation indicated that a materiel failure, rather than crew error, caused the crash. This is not the first time the Ospreys have been grounded, and previous incidents have highlighted the need for improvements in flight control system software, drivetrain component material strength, and inspection requirements.