Marines release video of Osprey crash

This image from a videotape shows a crashed V-22 Osprey in flames in April 2000

From Jamie McIntyre
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Marine Corps on Friday released dramatic videotape showing the fiery crash of a V-22 Osprey that killed 19 Marines last year in Arizona.

The April 8, 2000, accident was blamed on pilot error -- investigators found the pilot landed too quickly and at too steep an angle, causing the tilt-rotor plane to lose lift under its right rotor.

The videotapes include one recorded from equipment in the cockpit of a second Osprey.

On that tape the Marine pilot can be heard saying, "Oh, my God. They went down. They crashed. Oh, my God."

The audio continues:

VIDEO U.S. Marine Corps releases footage of a recent V-22 Osprey crash killing those on board Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     THE OSPREY Click here for background information on the Osprey aircraft

Voice of pilot: "Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash!"

Controller: "Confirm crash, Seven. Is that for real?"

Voice of pilot: "Crash! Crash! Crash! It's real, man. An airplane on the ground."

A second tape taken by a Marine with a hand-held video camera on the ground shows the fireball after the crash.

On that tape the Marines can be heard talking:

Voice 1: "You can't do anything."

Voice 2: "Take it easy. I'm not going out there."

Voice 3: "They're dead, aren't they?"

A V-22 Osprey

Voice 4: "Yes."

Voice 3: "Damn!"

Earlier this week a special Pentagon panel recommended that the V-22 program be continued, but with minimal production until serious concerns about the craft's safety and design are resolved.

The Independent V-22 Review Panel gave the Pentagon a list of various repairs and improvements the aircraft needs before it should return to the skies.

In response Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Jones issued a statement saying, "I share the panel's concern about the V-22's maintainability, reliability and funding. The panel gave each of these issues careful consideration, and we will be looking very closely at recommendations made in the panel's final report."

Jones also said, "Although there are many issues to be resolved, I am encouraged by the panel's recommendation to pursue further development and fielding of the V-22. This is a capability our nation needs to meet the operational requirements of the 21st century."

The tilt-rotor Osprey has the unique ability to take off like a helicopter, rotate its propellers 90 degrees and fly like an airplane. The Marine Corps hopes to use the Ospreys to replace an aging fleet of CH-46 helicopters.

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May 10, 2000
Marines postpone announcement on fate of Osprey aircraft
May 3, 2000
Bodies to be recovered from Osprey wreckage
April 11, 2000
Possibility of pilot error considered in probe of Marine crash
April 10, 2000
Members of presidential helicopter squadron among Marine crash victims
April 9, 2000
A Crash and a Collusion?
September 20, 1999
Marine Crash Statistics
May 10, 1996

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