Japanese V-22 Osprey Fleet Grounded After Incident - U.S. Ospreys Still "Mission Capable”
V-22 Osprey became unstable on takeoff, causing its left wingtip to strike the ground during the U.S.-Japan Keen Sword Exercise on Yonaguni Island. It carried 16 people, including three U.S. Marines. No injuries, but the aircraft suffered structural damage.
On October 28, 2024, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) grounded its entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys following a training incident on Yonaguni Island, Okinawa.
The October 27 incident occurred during joint U.S.-Japan military exercises when a GSDF-operated Osprey, carrying three U.S. Marines and GSDF members, experienced lateral instability on takeoff, causing its left wingtip to strike the ground. Although the aircraft suffered structural damage, all 16 personnel onboard were unharmed.
Japan’s Osprey fleet, which aims to include 17 V-22 aircraft, is now grounded and stationed at Camp Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, pending further investigation. The grounding follows a previous incident in November 2023, when a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Osprey crashed near Yakushima, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.
U.S.-Japan Joint Military Exercise Keen Sword
The incident occurred as the GSDF Osprey conducted a simulated casualty evacuation drill. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance the operational readiness and interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces. The exercise focuses on various capabilities, including air mobility for rapid personnel and medical evacuations, to ensure preparedness for potential real-world scenarios. The V-22 Osprey’s tiltrotor design enables both helicopter and fixed-wing modes, crucial for versatile operations in varied environments.
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The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed the suspension pending a thorough investigation.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani clarified that “mission flights” may still be authorized for emergencies, such as natural disasters, though routine flights remain suspended. The GSDF investigation into the incident began on 27 October to determine the cause and implement necessary safety measures.
U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) confirmed that U.S. Ospreys stationed in Japan remain “mission capable”.
USFJ emphasized the importance of realistic joint training to enhance operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces. The U.S. Ospreys will subsequently continue participating in the joint Keen Sword exercises.
Großwald Curated: Background on The Fatal Yakushima Island Incident
On November 29, 2023, a U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey crashed into the sea near Yakushima Island, Japan, during routine training, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members.
- Investigation Findings: The Air Force investigation attributed the crash to a catastrophic failure of the left-hand prop rotor gearbox, worsened by pilot error. The pilot reportedly failed to act promptly on warning signals and continued the flight instead of diverting to a closer airfield.
- Response: Following the incident, the U.S. military temporarily grounded its V-22 Osprey fleet for safety reviews. Flights resumed in early 2024 after required maintenance and training updates.
- Osprey Safety Record: Despite recent accidents, the Osprey remains an essential asset for U.S. military operations, valued for its operational flexibility.
Sources: The Japan Times via japantimes.co.jp, Nippon.com, United States Forces Japan
