Second Marine dies as a result of Hawaii Osprey crash

Marine Corps Times — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:16:05 -0400

From: Marine Corps Times

A second Marine has died as a result of injuries sustained during Sunday's MV-22B Osprey crash in Hawaii, Marine officials announced Wednesday.

The Marine's identify is being withheld for a 24-hour period following notification of next of kin, according to a Marine Corps news release.

The accident occurred during a training exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows near Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Two more Marines remain hospitalized, but are in stable condition, according to the release.

Lance Cpl. Joshua E. Barron, a 22-year-old tiltrotor crew chief from Spokane, Washington, died as a result of his injuries on Sunday. Barron was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), which is currently deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

There were 22 Marines aboard the Osprey when it made a hard landing. A fire had broken out aboard the aircraft, but officials said it's unclear whether it contributed to the hard landing or happened as a result of it. The fire contributed to some of the Marines' injuries, Army Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said Monday.

The MEU will continue training in Hawaii, Capt. Brian Block, a spokesman for the 15th MEU, said Monday. The unit left California earlier this month for a seven month deployment to the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Officials with I Marine Expeditionary Force are coordinating the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The crash was the second deadly Marine aviation accident in less than a week. Six Marines were killed when their UH-1Y Venom helicopter crashed in Nepal on May 12.

The top Marine aviator said the accidents were isolated incidents and are not indicative of broader problems with either aircraft.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/05/20/second-marine-death-osprey-crash-hawaii/27646959/

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 20 at 2015 4:19 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:19:28 -0400

Rest in Peace, Marine. Semper fi ...

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 20 at 2015 4:21 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:21:40 -0400

Rest in Peace Brother! SEMPER FI!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:23 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:23:06 -0400

As an intermediate level structural mechanic with several years of dealing with this travesty of an aircraft, I would disagree with the summation entirely. I can't speak to any issues with the avionic components, but as for structural design...this is the spork of the aviation community. There are structural components that are literally designed to break. The inconel and titaniums plate in several locations are placed in a way that cause ruptures and breaks by nature of their relation to other components (not exactly allowed to discuss exact locations or nomenclature of these components in a public forum such at this). When engineering investigations are routed (as I have done several myself) they are met with little to no response. Repairs often consist of spot welding a like metal patch over the top of said rupture...which only serves to modestly prolong the life of the component but does nothing to reduce the core issue of the faulty design. I have always enjoyed opportunities to fly on the various aircraft in our community, but would sooner ride a bicycle on the streets of Saipan than try to organize a morale flight in this flying monstrosity. How many times do we need to have failures of this rock of an aircraft that, after investigation, are shown to be no fault of either the maintainers nor the pilots...before we realize that we need to discontinue its service? I get it...we dropped a ton of money into this with high hopes, but at some point you have to cut your losses and stop feeding the money pit known as the MV-22 Osprey.

Response by 1stSgt Ron Gallegos made May 20 at 2015 4:32 PM

1stSgt Ron Gallegos — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:32:20 -0400

Rest in Peace, Gone but not Forgotten. "SEMPER FI"

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 8:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 20:10:42 -0400

RIP

Response by LCpl Justin Cuevas made May 22 at 2015 6:16 PM

LCpl Justin Cuevas — Fri, 22 May 2015 18:16:49 -0400

Both Marines were from Arizona, my family and I send our prayers along with my brothers from VFW Post 1709. Fair winds and following seas.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 24 at 2015 9:08 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 24 May 2015 21:08:44 -0400

Sad to see this again. I don't know if this bugger will ever be Kosher. When I was in the Congress kept trying to foist this on the Marines and they didn't want it. It seems to be a bit more popular now but still is a Widow Maker.