Massive Search Operation Fails: Main Wreckage of US Osprey Crashed in Japan Still Missing, Crew Members Feared Lost

In a major search operation, Japan's coast guard has been unable to locate the main wreckage of a US military Osprey aircraft that crashed off the island of Yakushima on Wednesday. The tilt-rotor CV-22B Osprey was carrying eight crew members at the time of the incident, and so far, only one crew member has been found and declared dead. Despite a massive search effort, the other seven airmen remain missing. A dive search was conducted after an unidentified object was detected by sonar, but no clues were found regarding the missing crew.

Japan's coast guard has stated that they have no new information on the situation. Divers also investigated other unidentified objects found by sonar in waters around 30 meters deep, but these objects turned out to be rocks. Seven airmen are currently in DUSTWUN status, meaning their duty status is unknown. The US Air Force Special Operations Command has confirmed the recovery of one set of remains. The Osprey, which can operate as both a helicopter and a fixed-wing turboprop plane, has unfortunately experienced a string of fatal accidents throughout its history.

This recent crash in Japan adds to the list of incidents, including crashes in Australia, Norway, and Arizona, as well as a crash-landing in Okinawa. In response to the crash, Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara has asked the US military to suspend Osprey flights, except for search and rescue operations. Japan's military has also halted the use of its own Ospreys pending safety checks. However, the Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, mentioned that she was not aware of any official request, and as of now, Ospreys are still operating in Japan.

Singh did acknowledge that if the investigation determines the need for additional safety measures, they will certainly take action. The safety of service members and the surrounding Japanese communities remains a top priority for the United States. The search operation to locate the missing crew continues, and both the US military and Japan's coast guard are grateful for the assistance provided by the government of Japan in these efforts. The halt in Osprey flights and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash reflect concerns over flight safety and the need for a thorough understanding of what happened. As the search and recovery efforts persist, both countries are committed to ensuring the safety of their military personnel and addressing any potential issues regarding the Osprey aircraft's operation in the future.