According to the Marine Corps’ inquiry, the Osprey accident in Norway that claimed the lives of four marines while they were on a training mission was caused by pilot error.
The MV-22B Osprey that was involved in the drill crashed onto the cliffside of a neighbouring valley on March 18 near Bod, Norway.
All potential contributing causes to the accident, including the weather, prior training, and usage of different technology, were investigated by the Marine Corps.
The report states, “The inquiry found that pilot error was the primary contributing factor to the aircraft disaster.”
None of the five elements under investigation were found to be either a cause of or a contributor to the accident.
Evidence points to manoeuvres being carried out at a low altitude that went beyond the aircraft’s maximum angle-of-bank as the cause of the disaster.
The crew lost height, velocity, and turning space as a result, and they were unable to regain those losses.
Which pilot was in charge of the aircraft at the time remains unknown.
The fatal accident claimed the lives of Captain Ross A. Reynolds, Captain Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, Gunnery Sergeant James W. Speedy, and Corporal Jacob M. Moore.
The Marines describe pilot error as “the technical phrase characterising a circumstance where the pilot’s inputs, or lack thereof, were a causative influence” in the controls or systems of the aircraft.
In order to prepare for Exercise Cold Response 2022 and to acquaint the crew with the location, the Osprey team departed for a training flight. They later returned to base for fuel.
The group refuelled and then set off towards a region south of Bod.
The Marines claimed in their statement that “weather conditions were met and suitable for the authorised flight, the aircrew were qualified for the assigned mission, the aircraft was properly maintained and airworthy, and risk-mitigation training and pre-deployment training requirements were met and frequently exceeded.”
Despite having a pre-approved flight plan, the crew took off and turned toward the Grtdalen Valley.
One minute after the plane reached the valley at 4:23 p.m., according to investigators’ estimates, the Osprey made contact with the ground.
NATO coordinates the Cold Response Exercise, a twice-yearly exercise that is hosted by Norway.
According to NATO’s website, its goal is to prepare all allied troops “to operate in any environment under all circumstances.”
Participants must “practise their talents working in severe and rough environments” as part of their training.
This was the first of two MV-22B accidents that have been recorded this year; the second occurred on June 8 in Southern California and resulted in the deaths of five Marines.