Massachusetts Lawmakers Call for Re-Grounding of Osprey Aircraft Over Safety Concerns

A recent engine fire on a presidential Osprey and rising accident rates have reignited scrutiny of the hybrid aircraft's safety record.

Three Massachusetts lawmakers, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, have urged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to re-ground the V-22 Osprey fleet due to unresolved safety issues.
The call follows an incident where an Osprey carrying White House staff was grounded after flames were seen under an engine during a trip in New York City.
The V-22 Osprey has been involved in over 21 major accidents, with critics attributing many to design flaws and mechanical failures, including a deadly crash in Japan in November 2023 that killed eight servicemembers.
An Associated Press investigation revealed a 46% rise in serious Osprey incidents from 2019 to 2023, with pilots reportedly forced to rely on risky interim power features to ensure safe landings.
The Pentagon has allowed the Osprey fleet to resume operations under restrictions, but lawmakers are pressing for transparency and comprehensive fixes before further deployments.