US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey with eight aboard crashes off Yakushima island Japan
US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey crashes off Yakushima island Japan: A US military aircraft with eight personnel on board has crashed off Yakushima Island in Japan, with rescue efforts underway. The incident, which occurred around 0547 GMT, raised concerns as witnesses reported the aircraft’s left engine ablaze during its descent towards the sea.
Rescue Efforts and Witness Accounts
Japan’s coast guard reported finding a passenger who was “not breathing,” and local media suggested that the remains of the plane have likely been discovered off Yakushima. Witnesses observed the CV-22 Osprey, a versatile aircraft functioning as both a helicopter and a turboprop, attempting to land at Yakushima Airport with its left engine on fire.
Timeline of Events
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno indicated that the aircraft disappeared from radar at 14:40 local time, with a distress call received seven minutes later, confirming the crash. The coast guard promptly dispatched six boats and two helicopters to the scene. By 16:00, two helicopters had identified what appeared to be part of the plane and a life raft.
US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey crashes off Yakushima island Japan
The aircraft was reportedly heading from Iwakuni base in the Yamaguchi region to Kadena base in Okinawa. Yakushima, located south of Japan’s Kyushu island, was the intended destination. The Yakushima Airport Management Office received an emergency landing request from the US military at Kagoshima Airport.
History of Osprey Incidents
This incident is the latest involving an Osprey military aircraft, known for its vertical takeoff capabilities and high-speed cruising. In August of the current year, three US Marines were killed in an Osprey crash during military exercises in Australia. The Osprey has a history of mechanical and operational issues since its inception in the 1980s.
Safety Concerns and Controversies
Residents of Okinawa, the aircraft’s intended destination, have previously expressed concerns about the safety of Osprey planes. The Osprey has been involved in fatal crashes in Norway, Australia, and the United States, leading to temporary groundings and controversies over its deployment.
Recurring Incidents and Official Statements
In a similar incident in August, another Osprey crashed in northern Australia during a military exercise, resulting in the death of three US Marines. Despite assurances from both the US military and Japan about its safety, the V-22 Osprey remains a subject of controversy due to its accident history.
- US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey crashes off Yakushima island Japan
- US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey crashes off Yakushima island Japan
- US Military aircraft Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey crashes off Yakushima island Japan
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US military Osprey with 8 crew crashes off Japan
U.S. military Osprey aircraft crashes into ocean off Japan’s coast killing at least 1, coast guard says
US military aircraft crashes in sea off Japan killing at least one
