Pentagon Grounds V-22 Osprey Fleet Again

The Pentagon has temporarily grounded its V-22 Osprey fleet following a near-crash at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, on November 20. The incident is linked to potential metal weaknesses in the aircraft’s transmission system, raising concerns about recurring safety issues.

The pause, recommended by Vice Adm. Carl Chebi of Naval Air Systems Command, affects the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, as investigations continue.

Initial findings suggest similarities to a November 2022 crash off Japan, where weakened X-53 VIMVAR metal in critical gears caused catastrophic failure, killing eight service members. In the recent Cannon incident, the crew lost an engine but managed to land safely, potentially avoiding a similar tragedy due to lessons learned from the Japan crash.

The V-22 Osprey, which combines helicopter and airplane capabilities, has faced persistent reliability problems. Since entering service 30 years ago, the aircraft has been involved in crashes that have killed 64 personnel and injured 93. Investigations have revealed microscopic flaws—called inclusions—in the metal used for key components, leading to fatigue cracks.

Lawmakers have called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground the Osprey fleet until safety concerns are fully addressed. Meanwhile, Bell Flight, the Osprey’s manufacturer, is working with the military to strengthen the problematic components.

The grounding underscores growing scrutiny of the Osprey program as the Pentagon prioritizes safety and investigates long-standing mechanical issues.