Lawmakers press Pentagon to re-ground Ospreys over safety issues

Three lawmakers are asking Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin to think about re-grounding the army’s fleet of V-22 Ospreys till options could be put in place to handle security and design points recognized by The Related Press in its current in-depth investigation of the plane’s accident report.

In a letter despatched to the Pentagon on Monday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Richard Neal, all Democrats from Massachusetts, wrote to Austin that “given the present issues in regards to the security of the V-22, the plane must be grounded, and shouldn’t be deployed once more till the platform’s vital deficiencies are totally addressed.”

The Osprey, which flies like each a helicopter and an airplane, has been in additional than 21 main accidents, lots of which could be tied again to decisions made in its design, the AP discovered.

The entire fleet was grounded for 3 months this 12 months following a lethal crash in Japan in November 2023 that killed eight service members, together with one from Massachusetts.

Ospreys, that are operated by the Navy, Air Pressure and Marine Corps and used within the presidential fleet, have now returned to flight operations, with some restrictions.

Osprey pilots have advised the AP they don’t wish to see the plane grounded, regardless of security issues, due to its distinctive capabilities. Program officers have stated they’re engaged on fixes to enhance the V-22s security and reliability.

The Pentagon didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon the letter.

The lawmakers additionally cited the AP’s reporting that pilots are having to push the V-22′s “interim energy” function to have the ability to land safely — however are suggested towards it as a result of it may put on down components. Interim energy was a think about the latest accident in October when a Japan Self-Protection Forces Osprey violently tilted and struck the bottom on takeoff. An investigation decided the pilots had been accountable for not turning on the interim energy throughout takeoff.

“The fact for pilots is that they should push the plane to its limits to remain protected,” the lawmakers wrote.