NEW YORK — An Osprey transporting White House staff and government officials from an event in New York was grounded Monday after a safety concern, with a witness reporting flames beneath the right engine. The staff and officials, part of the Marine Corps HMX-1 presidential helicopter fleet, were moved to another Osprey to continue their journey with President Joe Biden to a “Friendsgiving” event in Staten Island with members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The incident resulted in only a minor delay to Biden’s return to Washington that evening.
This grounding coincided with a letter from Democratic lawmakers to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging the military to re-ground the entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys. The letter cited unresolved safety and design flaws highlighted in an Associated Press investigation that examined the aircraft’s accident record.
A journalist traveling with the president observed flames near the right engine before the decision to ground the Osprey was made. This marks another instance of safety concerns with the Osprey, following a similar November 2023 incident when an Osprey carrying reporters and staff returned to the ground after takeoff due to loud “pops” and smoke.
Lawmakers Demand Action
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, alongside Representative Richard Neal, all Democrats from Massachusetts, pressed for the grounding of the V-22 fleet in their letter. “The aircraft should not be deployed again until the platform’s significant deficiencies are fully addressed,” they wrote.
The Osprey, designed to operate as both a helicopter and airplane, has been involved in over 21 major accidents, many tied to its design. The fleet was previously grounded for three months after a November 2023 crash in Japan that killed eight service members.
Pilot Concerns and Ongoing Challenges
Despite safety issues, many Osprey pilots oppose grounding the aircraft due to its unique capabilities. Program officials have stated efforts are underway to improve the V-22’s safety and reliability. However, concerns persist over its “interim power” feature, which pilots rely on during landings but are cautioned against using due to wear and tear risks. This feature played a role in a recent October crash involving Japan’s self-defense forces.
The Pentagon has not commented on the lawmakers’ letter. As officials and pilots continue to navigate these challenges, the future of the Osprey remains under scrutiny amid calls for enhanced safety measures.