U.S. CV-22B Osprey Crash in Japan Kills Eight, Caused by Gearbox Failure and Pilot Error

Aug 2, 2024, 01:16 AM

A U.S. military CV-22B Osprey aircraft crash off the coast of Japan in November 2023, which resulted in the deaths of all eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members, was caused by a combination of mechanical failure and pilot error, according to an Air Force investigation released Thursday. The investigation identified cracks in a pinion gear and the pilot's decision to continue flying despite multiple warnings to land as the primary factors leading to the crash. The gearbox failure was described as 'catastrophic,' and the crew's actions were noted to lack urgency, contributing to the fatal outcome.