In an incident off Australia’s Northern Territory coast, a US MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor navy aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of three US marines. Twenty survivors were reported injured, with one in critical condition.
The aircraft, with 23 on board, en route to the Tiwi Islands, crashed on Melville Island, 50 miles north of Darwin, during a training exercise for Exercise Predators Run 2023 on Sunday, August 27. It was one of the two Ospreys participating in the multinational program.
The US Marine Corps confirmed the deaths and added, “Recovery efforts are ongoing. The cause of the incident is under investigation.” The injured personnel were immediately transported to Royal Darwin Hospital.
The three killed, all based in Darwin, were Osprey pilot Capt. Eleanor V. Beau, 29, from Belleville, Illinois; Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, 21, from Arlington, Virginia; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, 37, from Jefferson, Colorado.
The Northern Territory’s chief minister, Natasha Fyles, expressed deep concern and stated that all available resources were being focused on this tragic event.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, commented on the tragedy, emphasizing that all needed support and assistance were being provided. The Royal Darwin Hospital has been placed under a code brown in response to the emergency.
Initial reports clarified that only United States defense personnel were involved in the incident, and no members of the Australian Defense Force were affected.
The Osprey aircraft, a blend of helicopter and turbo-prop plane features, is known for its versatility with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities combined with the speed of an airplane.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another recent aircraft accident when an Australian Taipan helicopter went down off the north Queensland coast in late July.
The ongoing Exercise Predators Run 2023, hosted in the Top End of Australia, sees participation from 2,500 soldiers, including those from the US, Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. US Marines stationed in Darwin are collaborating with Australian and Philippine personnel for these drills.
