They sent a letter to Defense Secretary Austin highlighting persistent design flaws and accident risks.
Three members of Congress from Massachusetts, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, along with Representative Richard Neal, have urged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground the military’s fleet of V-22 Ospreys until significant safety and design flaws are resolved. Their letter follows a journalist investigation revealing 21 major accidents involving the aircraft, many linked to design choices.
The fleet had previously been grounded for three months after a November 2023 crash in Japan that killed eight service members, including one from Massachusetts. Although flights have resumed under restrictions, concerns persist about the aircraft’s safety.
The legislators cited issues like reliance on the Osprey’s “interim power” feature, which can strain components but is critical for safe landings. The October 2023 crash of a Japanese Osprey, connected to pilot errors involving this feature, further stresses the risks. While pilots value the Osprey’s unique capabilities, the legislators insist its deficiencies must be addressed to ensure safety.
“The reality for pilots is that they have to push the aircraft to its limits to stay safe,” they wrote to Secretary Austin.
Pentagon officials and program teams have stated they are working on improvements.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Neal as they seek to eliminate further accidents from the Osprey’s deployment.
- For Secretary Austin and Defense Department officials as they consider the legislators’ request to ground the aircraft.
Sources: NavyTimes, The Hill
