WASHINGTON — There are more problems for the military's V-22 Osprey program. Some lawmakers are calling for the aircraft to be re-grounded amid continuing safety concerns.
Three members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. They cite two safety reports from Air Force investigations into a November 2023 crash in Japan that killed eight service members.
The whole fleet was grounded for three months this year following that crash.
The reports found that the crash resulted from "a long list of institutional and manufacturing issues."
The lawmakers wrote: "The aircraft ... should not be deployed again until the platform's significant deficiencies are fully addressed.
The Osprey, which flies like both a helicopter and an airplane, has been in more than 21 major accidents, many of which can be tied back to choices made in its design, according to a report by The Associated Press.
Ospreys, which are operated by the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and are used in the presidential fleet, have returned to flight operations, with some restrictions.
Osprey pilots have told the AP they do not want to see the aircraft grounded, despite safety concerns, because of its unique capabilities. Program officials have said they are working on fixes to improve the V-22's safety and reliability.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an AP request for comment on the letter.