The Air Force Special Operations Command has identified the component that failed on its CV-22B Osprey aircraft, resulting in a fatal crash in Japan last November. However, the exact cause of the failure remains unknown. As a result of the crash, hundreds of Osprey aircraft in service across the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy have been grounded since December 6.
Two investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the Japan crash. A safety investigation board is conducting a privileged internal review to inform pilots and crews, while an accident investigation board is conducting the official administrative review. Both investigations are ongoing.
