A US MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, en route to the Tiwi Islands, had a tragic accident on Melville Island, situated 50 miles north of Darwin, Australia, during a training exercise.
The crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 27, resulted in the deaths of three US marines and left 20 others wounded.
The aircraft, part of the multinational Exercise Predators Run 2023, had 23 personnel onboard at the time of the crash.
Immediate statements from the US Marine Corps verified the fatalities and highlighted the ongoing recovery processes. Injured marines were rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical attention.
The casualties include Capt. Eleanor V. Beau, 29; Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, 21; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, 37.
Australia’s Northern Territory chief minister, Natasha Fyles, conveyed profound distress regarding the incident. Additionally, Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, assured complete support and assistance. The incident exclusively involved US defense personnel, leaving Australian Defense Force members unaffected.
The Osprey, distinguished for its combination of helicopter and plane functionalities, is famed for its adaptability in different scenarios.
Notably, this crash comes shortly after another aviation incident involving an Australian Taipan helicopter in late July.
The ongoing Exercise Predators Run 2023, centered in Australia’s Top End, witnesses a collaborative effort involving 2,500 soldiers from multiple nations, including the US.
