An Osprey transporting White House staff and government officials from an event in New York on Monday was grounded due to a safety issue, with one witness reporting flames beneath the right engine.
The staff and officials were safely removed from the aircraft, which is part of the Marine Corps HMX-1 presidential helicopter fleet and were transferred to another Osprey. They were traveling as part of President Joe Biden's entourage for a "Friendsgiving" event with U.S. Coast Guard members in Staten Island.
The issue caused only a brief delay in President Biden's return to Washington on Monday evening.
Lawmakers' Letter Urges Re-Grounding of Ospreys
The incident coincided with a letter sent by lawmakers to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging the military to re-ground its entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys. The request follows concerns over safety and design flaws highlighted in a recent investigation by The Associated Press, which examined the aircraft's accident history.
Earlier this year, the entire fleet was grounded for three months following a deadly crash in Japan in November 2023 that claimed the lives of eight service members.
The Marine Corps has yet to issue a statement regarding the Osprey incident in New York. A journalist accompanying President Biden reported spotting flames under the right engine moments before officials were informed that the aircraft would not continue its journey.
This is not the first time an Osprey carrying White House staff or reporters has faced safety issues during a trip. In November 2023, an Osprey transporting reporters and staff was forced to return to the ground shortly after takeoff when four loud "pops" were heard, accompanied by visible smoke.
In the letter sent Monday to Austin, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Richard Neal, all Democrats from Massachusetts, said that "given the current concerns about the safety of the V-22, the aircraft should be grounded, and should not be deployed again until the platform's significant deficiencies are fully addressed."
What Is the Osprey Aircraft?
The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft capable of flying like both a helicopter and an airplane, has been involved in over 21 major accidents, many of which stem from design choices, according to findings from The Associated Press investigation.
Despite ongoing safety concerns, Osprey pilots have expressed reluctance to see the aircraft grounded, citing its unique capabilities. Program officials have acknowledged the issues and stated that efforts are underway to implement fixes aimed at enhancing the V-22's safety and reliability.
How Has the Pentagon Responded to the Osprey Incident Involving White House Staff?
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter sent by lawmakers on Monday.
Lawmakers also referenced findings that Osprey pilots are increasingly relying on the aircraft's "interim power" feature to ensure safe landings, despite warnings against its frequent use due to potential wear on parts. This feature was a key factor in the most recent accident in October, when a Japanese self-defense forces Osprey abruptly tilted and struck the ground during takeoff. An investigation concluded that the pilots were at fault for failing to activate interim power before takeoff.
"The reality for pilots is that they have to push the aircraft to its limits to stay safe," the lawmakers wrote.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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