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A fatal Marine Osprey crash in Australia last year has been attributed to human factors rather than the aircraft itself. According to Military.com, a military investigation concluded that "pilot error and complacency" were responsible for the accident, which resulted in the deaths of three Marines, including both pilots and a corporal who died attempting to save them. Cpl. Steven Collart entered the burning flight deck in an effort to rescue Maj. Tobin Lewis and Capt. Eleanor LeBeau.
The incident occurred during Exercise Predator's Run, a chaotic multinational military exercise near Darwin in northern Australia. The aircraft crashed after taking evasive maneuvers when it came too close to another Osprey it was trailing. However, much of the report focused on widespread issues within Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, highlighting lax maintenance and discipline.
The report recommended administrative action against unit commander Col. Joe Whitfield for "permitting a culture that disregarded safety of flight and aviation maintenance procedures." Col. Whitfield has since resigned from his position. Additionally, charges were recommended against the head of maintenance for the unit, whose name was not disclosed.
