Osprey carrying White House staff grounded due to fire risk

In the United States on November 25, 2024, an Osprey aircraft carrying White House staff was grounded after flames were spotted under its right engine. The staff were returning from a Friendsgiving event with President Joe Biden in Staten Island when the incident occurred. A journalist traveling with the group reported the fire shortly before officials decided to ground the aircraft. The incident coincided with three lawmakers' request to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to re-ground the entire fleet of V-22 Ospreys due to ongoing safety concerns. The aircraft has a history of design-related issues resulting in several accidents, prompting this renewed scrutiny of its safety operations. Recent investigations revealed that the military's V-22 Osprey fleet has faced significant challenges, with over 21 major accidents connected to design flaws. Following a deadly crash in Japan in November 2023 that resulted in eight fatalities, the fleet was grounded for three months this year. At present, Ospreys have returned to limited flight operations, but certain restrictions remain in place, restricting participation in critical missions like those involving aircraft carriers. Reports indicated that a pilot's decision to ignore warnings while flying contributed to the earlier fatal incident, showcasing the risks associated with this aircraft model. Japan's Ground Self Defense Forces recently grounded their fleet after a separate incident during takeoff, raising serious concerns about the V-22's operational stability. The hybrid aircraft, appreciated for its unique capabilities, faces an urgent need for solutions to its safety and design defects, as it ages unexpectedly. Lawmakers and aviation safety advocates continue to pressure for a thorough evaluation of the fleet's operational readiness to ensure the safety of all personnel involved.