The Marine Corps has temporarily halted all Osprey flights in Japan after an MV-22 crash-landed in shallow water off the coast of Okinawa Monday night.
Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, said Wednesday that the mishap occurred during an aerial refueling, when one of the rotor blades of the Osprey struck the refueling line and damaged the aircraft. After unhooking from the refueling, Nicholson said the aircraft was “shaking violently.”
All five crew members were rescued and three have already been released from Camp Foster Naval Hospital.
As a result, Nicholson ordered a temporary halt to all Osprey flights under Marine Forces Japan until he is “satisfied that we have reviewed our checklists and safety of flight procedures,” according to a release.
A formal investigation into the incident is ongoing. The military is also working to figure out the best way to recover the aircraft while also protecting the environment.
