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House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY) is actively pursuing a thorough investigation into the safety of the Osprey aircraft following a tragic crash last month near Japan that resulted in the deaths of eight US troops.

Comer has officially requested that the Pentagon provide documents and detailed information on the aircraft, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability, especially given the history of fatal Osprey crashes over the past 30 years. “The Committee remains concerned about safety and performance issues surrounding the Osprey program,” Comer stated, highlighting the importance of understanding the Defense Department’s measures to mitigate mechanical risks.

Comer’s inquiry focuses on the CV-22 Osprey, the model involved in the recent fatal incident in Japan. This move aligns with the broader concerns raised by defense and military officials, prompting calls for the Government Accountability Office to conduct an extensive review of the aircraft’s safety. In response to the crash, the Air Force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of CV-22 Ospreys, with preliminary investigations pointing to a “potential material failure.” Efforts to recover the service members who perished in the crash are ongoing, involving both Japanese and American personnel.

Concerns about visibility, faulty gearboxes, and engine failures have been persistent despite the aircraft’s significant operational advantages, such as its ability to transport combat troops quickly and over long distances.