Top military readiness lawmakers call for probe into fatal Osprey crash

Two top military readiness lawmakers have requested a review into the V-22 Osprey program after a crash off the coast of Japan killed eight U.S. airmen and prompted the Air Force to ground its entire fleet.

Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, and subcommittee Chair Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) send a joint letter to U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the cause of the crash.

“We write with concern regarding recent reports on the number of deaths resulting from accidents involving Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (V-22) during military training exercises and operations,” the letter said.

The Osprey crashed near Yakushima Island in southwestern Japan, with eight members on board. One of the aircraft’s engines reportedly burst into flames before it headed toward the water. Japan aided in search and rescue efforts and expressed concern over the U.S. continuing to fly its aircraft in the country.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, said the Air Force would ground its fleet to mitigate risk while the investigation into the crash continues.

The letter, provided by Waltz’s office, noted that in the past two years, four Osprey crashes have killed at least 13 Americans. Nonfatal accidents have caused injuries and costly damage to the aircraft, as well, the letter said.

“While it is imperative that our service members are trained at a high standard to effectively develop critical skills and maintain readiness, it is essential that our Armed Force conduct training in a manner that ensures their safety,” the joint letter said.

The lawmakers requested that Gene Dodaro, head of the GAO, conduct a review to address specific questions. They ask that an investigation examines the causes associated with the accidents, and if there are trends in maintenance and supply issues that could have affected the fleet.

They asked for a review of the risk management procedures military services that use Ospreys have in place. They also called on the Department of Defense, asking what has been done to reduce or prevent accidents and if additional actions are warranted.

They’ve asked Dodaro to respond within 30 days regarding whether a review is possible.

“We believe an assessment of the above issues, and any recommendations GAO may have, will assist us as we conduct oversight on DOD to ensure our military is achieving the required level of readiness while keeping our service members safe,” the letter said.