A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey caught fire Thursday after making a hard landing during a training mission in North Carolina. The aircraft, operating from Marine Corps Air Station New River, went down near Bladen Lakes State Forest while carrying four service members. All four personnel were taken for medical evaluation, and at least one Marine was reported to have suffered burns. Civilian and military emergency crews responded as the cause remained under investigation.
The incident occurred during scheduled training activity at the eastern North Carolina air station. Local authorities had been warned to expect increased traffic, security measures and emergency response activity in connection with exercises in the area.
| 1) | Aircraft catches fire after hard landing |
|---|---|
| 2) | Four personnel receive medical evaluation |
| 3) | Emergency crews respond near Bladen Lakes |
| 4) | Incident occurs during scheduled exercises |
| 5) | Investigation into cause remains ongoing |
Aircraft catches fire after hard landing
The aircraft involved was an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Corps Air Station New River. It made a hard landing Thursday during a training mission near Bladen Lakes State Forest in North Carolina. The aircraft subsequently burst into flames. Available information did not indicate whether the fire began before or after the landing, and officials had not announced a specific mechanical or operational cause.
The Osprey is used by the Marine Corps for transport and other operational missions. The aircraft was conducting routine training activity when the incident occurred. Further details about the flight, the landing conditions and the extent of the aircraft damage were not immediately released.
Four personnel receive medical evaluation
Four service members were aboard the Osprey when it went down, according to a Marine Corps statement. All four were transported for medical evaluation after the incident. The statement did not provide their names or detailed injury information.
White Lake Fire Chief Dale Brennan said at least one Marine suffered burns and was taken to a nearby clinic. The available reports did not specify the severity of those burns or disclose whether any of the other personnel sustained injuries. Medical assessments were expected to determine the full extent of the injuries.
Emergency crews respond near Bladen Lakes
Both civilian and military emergency personnel responded to the crash site near Bladen Lakes State Forest. Their response included addressing the aircraft fire, securing the area and helping transport the four occupants for medical care.
The location is in eastern North Carolina, near several major Marine Corps installations and training areas. The incident prompted a coordinated response because it involved an active military aircraft, a fire and possible injuries. Officials had not reported injuries among emergency responders or members of the public.
Incident occurs during scheduled exercises
The hard landing took place during scheduled training exercises at Marine Corps Air Station New River during the week. The activity was part of planned military training rather than an announced combat operation.
Before the exercise, neighboring Camp Lejeune issued a notice advising local residents to expect increased traffic delays, heightened security measures and additional emergency response activity. The notice indicated that the broader training schedule could affect movement and public activity around the installations. There was no immediate indication that the warning was related to a specific aircraft problem.
Investigation into cause remains ongoing
The cause of the hard landing and subsequent fire remained under investigation. Marine Corps officials had not announced whether weather, equipment, training conditions or another factor contributed to the incident.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight records, maintenance history and witness accounts as they reconstruct what happened. The initial response focused on extinguishing the fire, protecting the site and treating the occupants. Additional details may be released as the safety investigation progresses.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An MV-22B Osprey made a hard landing near Bladen Lakes State Forest. |
| 2 | The aircraft caught fire during a scheduled training mission. |
| 3 | All four service members aboard were taken for medical evaluation. |
| 4 | At least one Marine was reported to have suffered burns. |
| 5 | The cause of the incident had not been determined. |
Summary
A Marine Corps Osprey caught fire after a hard landing during a North Carolina training exercise, leaving four aboard in need of medical evaluation. Emergency crews from military and civilian agencies responded near Bladen Lakes State Forest, while officials began reviewing the incident. The cause and the full extent of the injuries had not been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft was an MV-22B Osprey operating from Marine Corps Air Station New River.
How many people were aboard?
Four service members were aboard, and all four were taken for medical evaluation.
Where did the incident occur?
The Osprey went down near Bladen Lakes State Forest in North Carolina.
What caused the fire?
Officials had not determined the cause. The incident remains under investigation.