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Following multiple crashes related to the Osprey aircraft, Republican leaders of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability are turning up the pressure on top Pentagon officials for documents about these incidents, warning that subpoenas may follow if their demands are not met.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-KY, and National Security Subcommittee Chair Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-WI, issued a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday, demanding documents related to their initial request on December 21, 2023. The lawmakers argued that their requests have faced persistent delays and obstacles. They specifically requested detailed safety investigations for each major crash of the Osprey aircraft since 1991.
The committee leaders accuse the Pentagon of providing only “highly redacted documents” that are publicly accessible rather than the comprehensive reports they requested. In their letter, they state that if the Pentagon does not comply by July 30, they will consider issuing subpoenas to obtain the necessary information.
This investigation comes after a series of fatal Osprey crashes in recent years, with 20 service members losing their lives in four crashes over a span of less than two years. Despite six months of congressional probes, US military officials have withheld full safety reports, arguing that witness confidentiality during safety board reviews is crucial for gathering accurate information.
The V-22 Osprey, which can take off vertically like a helicopter and fly like a plane, has been used by the US military since 1989. The Osprey can carry troops, equipment, and perform various missions, including assault support, special operations, and search and rescue. Between 1989 and 2017, seven accidents resulted in 41 fatalities among service members and passengers.
