Japan's Hybrid-Helicopter Fleet Cleared For Operations After Incident

U.S. Osprey transport aircraft participate in the combined military amphibious landing exercise between South Korea and the U.S., called Ssangyong exercise, in Pohang, South Korea, Sept. 2, 202

Japan's fleet of hybrid-helicopter military aircraft has been given the green light to resume operations following a recent incident. The incident involved a V-22 Osprey that tilted and hit the ground during takeoff while participating in a joint exercise with the U.S. military on October 27. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the flight was aborted.

An investigation into the incident revealed that human error was the primary cause. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) stated that the pilots had neglected to activate a switch meant to temporarily boost engine output during takeoff. This oversight led to the aircraft becoming unstable and swaying uncontrollably.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that the internal investigation concluded the incident was a result of human error and not due to any physical or external factors. As a result, the fleet of over a dozen V-22s will resume flight operations after safety and training measures have been reviewed.

Switch activation oversight led to aircraft instability and aborted flight.

Japan's V-22 Osprey incident caused by human error during takeoff.

Chief Cabinet Secretary confirms incident not due to external factors.

Fleet of over a dozen V-22s to resume operations after safety review.

First major mishap since 2023 crash involving U.S. Osprey off Japan's coast.

Okinawa residents express safety concerns over V-22 aircraft use.

V-22 fleet had recently resumed operations before the incident.

This incident marks the first major mishap involving Japan's V-22s since November 2023 when a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Osprey crashed off Japan's southern coast, resulting in the loss of eight lives. The V-22 fleet had only recently resumed flight operations earlier this year.

Despite the fleet's return to service, the use of V-22 aircraft remains a contentious issue, particularly in Okinawa. Residents of the small southern island, which hosts half of the approximately 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan, have raised concerns about the safety record of the V-22s.