Toba Owojaiye reporting
In a tragic incident, a US military V-22 Osprey aircraft crashed near Yakushima Island in southern Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. The crash, reported at 2:47 p.m. local time, involved eight individuals on board. Witnesses claim the aircraft’s left engine was on fire during its descent into the ocean.
The Japan Coast Guard, alerted to the crash, initiated a response at 2:47 p.m., dispatching a patrol boat and aircraft for search and rescue operations. So far, one person has been located by a local fishing vessel assisting in the search, but no details on their condition or injuries have been provided.
TruthLive News gathered that the incident brings to mind a previous Osprey crash in August off northern Australia, resulting in the loss of three US Marines. Another crash in December 2016 near Japan’s Okinawa led to a temporary grounding of the Osprey. The aircraft, capable of helicopter and fixed-wing flight, has faced controversy in Japan due to safety concerns.
The US military has not disclosed the cause of the crash, emphasizing an active investigation. This event follows a history of Osprey accidents, including fatalities in Australia in August 2022 and near Glamis, California, in 2022. The Osprey, though versatile, has faced mechanical and operational challenges since its inception in the 1980s, according to military analyst Col. Cedric Leighton.
In a related development, the Yakushima Airport Management Office received an emergency landing request from the US military, though it’s unclear whether it came from the Marines or Air Force. The Osprey’s safety record remains a point of contention, with critics expressing reservations while the US military and Japan maintain its security.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and updates on the crash and the condition of those involved are awaited. This unfortunate incident underscores the ongoing challenges associated with Osprey aircraft operations, prompting a reevaluation of their deployment and safety protocols.