US Ospreys to resume flight after gearbox inspections

The U.S. navy’s V-22 Ospreys might be cleared to fly after every plane is inspected to evaluate their prop-rotor gearboxes, a component linked to a lethal 2023 crash, and working limits are being imposed on new gearboxes.

Earlier this month, the Pentagon paused Osprey flights after a near-crash at Cannon Air Pressure Base in New Mexico on Nov. 2. That adopted a crash that killed eight airmen final 12 months off the coast of Japan after the gearbox failed. 

The navy will now “confirm the flight hours” on every prop-rotor gearbox earlier than the plane’s subsequent flight, and add restrictions on plane with newer gearboxes. 

“Plane with PRGBs that at the moment meets or exceeds a predetermined flight-hour threshold will resume flights in accordance with controls instituted within the March 2024 interim flight clearance (IFC),” in keeping with a NAVAIR assertion.

“A brand new IFC, containing further danger mitigation controls, has been issued to deal with plane with PRGBs beneath the flight-hour threshold. These controls will stay in place till the plane’s PRGBs are upgraded, or the predetermined threshold is exceeded,” the assertion mentioned. 

NAVAIR declined to say what the flight-hour threshold is, what number of  plane are affected, or what flight controls might be added. 

Investigators discovered that steel weaknesses—the identical kind that led to the gearbox failure within the Japan crash—precipitated the close to crash final month, in keeping with AP, and newer gearboxes have further restrictions as a result of if steel weaknesses happen, it occurs early on.

“NAVAIR stays dedicated to transparency and security concerning all V-22 operations. The V-22 performs an integral position in supporting our nation’s protection. Returning these important property to flight is vital to supporting our nation’s pursuits,” the assertion mentioned.