Pentagon grounds V-22 Ospreys after discovering dangerous metal flaws

In the United States, the Pentagon has decided to pause the flights of its fleet of V-22 Ospreys following the discovery of weakened metal components that may have contributed to a recent near crash. The incident occurred at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico on November 20, highlighting ongoing safety concerns regarding the aircraft. This new pause was initiated out of an 'abundance of caution' and was recommended by Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the head of Naval Air Systems Command. The pause affects the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, with each branch agreeing to adhere to the recommendation. The Marine Corps has implemented the pause since Friday, and the other services are likely to enforce their pauses for a longer period while investigating the cause of the metal failures. A report by The Associated Press noted an increase in safety issues over the past five years, with reports of parts wearing out faster than expected and design flaws contributing to many of the accidents involving the Osprey. The Osprey, which operates both as a helicopter and an airplane, has faced scrutiny following previous incidents, including a tragic crash off the coast of Japan last November that resulted in the deaths of eight service members. This raised flags about the metal used in critical gears of the Osprey's transmission system, specifically X-53 VIMVAR, which was found to have microscopic weak spots due to manufacturing contamination. Investigators concluded that these inclusions could lead to fatigue cracking, raising serious safety concerns. After the Japan incident, the military and Bell Flight—responsible for manufacturing and assembling the Osprey—have sought ways to strengthen this metal. The Cannon incident bore similarities to the Japan crash, as the crew received warnings about engine issues shortly after takeoff. Thankfully, they managed to land the aircraft after losing an engine, averting a potential disaster. The military's proactive response to these findings reflects their commitment to addressing safety and design issues related to the V-22 Osprey's operation, with ongoing investigations aiming to identify and remediate the root causes of these mechanical failures.