Marine Corps and Air Force Face Safety Concerns with Tiltrotor Aircraft

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report highlighting a significant increase in serious accidents involving the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft between fiscal years 2023 and 2024. According to GAO, accident rates were between 36% and 88% higher than previous years, with complex components being cited as a contributing factor. The Marine Corps and Air Force have been criticized for their response to these concerns, with the Pentagon facing calls for more comprehensive oversight and risk management. In response to GAO’s recommendations, acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Peter Belk acknowledged the importance of safety but did not provide further details on the Pentagon’s plans to address these issues.