Osprey flight suspension lifted, concerns raised over restart in US

Following the crash of a US military Osprey transport plane off the coast of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture in November last year, the US military had taken measures to suspend Osprey flights, but this was lifted on the 8th for the first time in about three months. Did.

However, Osprey accidents have been occurring one after another in various places, and there are concerns about the resumption of flights in the United States.

In November of last year, a US military Osprey transport plane crashed off the coast of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, killing all eight people on board, and the US military announced measures to suspend flights of Ospreys deployed around the world. We have been investigating the cause of the accident.

The US military issued a statement on the 8th, announcing that it would lift the flight suspension for the first time in about three months and allow flights.

On the other hand, the cause of the accident is said to have been ``a problem with the aircraft that led to the accident,'' but it has not been completely determined and the investigation will continue.

There have been a number of Osprey crashes in various locations, including one in June of this year in which five crew members were killed in Western California, and last August in Australia, where three crew members were killed.

Commenting on the safety of the Osprey, Comer, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, said on the 6th, ``The Department of Defense remains unanswered to the committee and the American people about the safety of the Osprey. "Significant concerns remain regarding the accountability of the measures taken and the Department of Defense's risk assessment."

The U.S. military has said that the Marine Corps and Air Force will decide on the specific timing of resuming flights, but there are voices of concern in the United States about the resumption of flights.

U.S. Department of Defense emphasizes ensuring safety

Commenting on the US military's permission to fly the Osprey, US Department of Defense spokesperson Ryder said at a press conference on the 8th, ``This decision was based on a thorough, data-driven approach that prioritized the safety of the crew. "This was a response that ensured safety," he said.

Regarding cooperation with Japan, he said, ``The two countries have worked closely together at various levels, including on the specific schedule for the return of Osprey flights.We are grateful for Japan's support throughout this process.'' "We have been transparent about the measures we are taking."