US military Osprey aircraft crashes off Japan's Yakushima Island
At least one person was killed after a US military Osprey aircraft crashed into the sea off Yakushima Island in Japan's Kagoshima prefecture. The Coast Guard received information about the crash and has dispatched a patrol boat and aircraft to the crash area. The Osprey aircraft has a history of mechanical and operational issues.
US military Osprey aircraft crashes off Japan's Yakushima Island
A US military Osprey aircraft crashed into the sea off Yakushima Island in Japan's Kagoshima prefecture, resulting in at least one death. The Japan Coast Guard received information about the crash and is conducting a search and rescue operation.
The number of individuals on board the aircraft was initially reported as eight, but it was later confirmed that six people were on board. No further information is available at this time about the other individuals and the cause of the crash.
The 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters has sent a patrol boat and aircraft to the crash area to assist with the search and rescue operation.
Previous crashes involving Osprey aircraft
This is not the first crash involving an Osprey military aircraft. In August of this year, three US Marines lost their lives and several others were seriously injured when an Osprey crashed during military exercises in Australia.
In 2022, five US Marines died after their MV-22B Osprey plane crashed during a training mission in California. Additionally, four US service members were killed when their Osprey crashed during NATO training exercises in Norway in the same year.
Although generally considered safe to fly, Osprey aircraft have had a history of mechanical and operational issues since their introduction in the 1980s.
Ongoing updates and investigation
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The cause of the crash and the identities of the individuals on board are currently under investigation.
The Osprey aircraft is known for its versatility, as it can take off vertically like a helicopter and also perform high-speed cruising like a turboprop plane. However, its history of mechanical and operational issues raises concerns about its safety.
The Japan Coast Guard, along with other authorities, will continue their search and rescue operation in the crash area to ensure the safety of those involved and gather more details about the incident.
