In December 2016 a US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crashed into shallow waters when one of the aircraft’s propellers hit a refueling basket during a training mission off the coast of Okinawa. Now the Marine Corps has released a statement that the incident was the result of pilot error.
Corps officials said the investigation determined that pilot error caused the crash, but Corps officials have not released a copy of the investigation despite a pending Freedom of Information Act Request by Marine Corps Times.
“This was a regrettable incident but one that could have been much worse without the quick reaction of the crew and the support of our Okinawan and Air Force partners,” Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, III MEF commander, said in a news release. “We will continue safe flight operations of the MV-22 and all of our aircraft in support of our alliance with Japan.” – Marine Corp Times
Featured image of A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey taking flight after a static display presented by Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to South Korean marines and sailors at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Rosales