Another Deadly USMC Aviation Mishap
News reports indicate that a USMC MV-22 Osprey made a ‘hard landing” at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii, shortly before noon (HST) on Sunday. “Hard”, as in “burned afterwards”. Local reports indicate there are 1 reported dead and several injured. (A later report from a different source puts the number injured at 21).
The aircraft was from the 15th MEU at Camp Pendleton, CA. It had been participating in exercise activities associated with the first US Pacific Command’s Amphibious Leaders Symposium.
The old recruiting slogan was right: “It’s not just a job – it’s an adventure.” And the “big-boy toys” you get to play with are neat.
It’s sometimes a damned dangerous adventure, though. Those big-boy toys can also be fickle sometimes. And if things go south or someone makes a mistake, they can be deadly.
May God comfort the surviving family and friends of those dead and injured, and grant the injured a full and speedy recovery.
Category: Marine Corps, Military issues
Rest in peace, shipmates.
Rest in Peace Marine and may the rest of you recover quickly. God bless the families involved. I’ve always said, combat is by definition dangerous. But so is training in the everyday life of a Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman. “Always At The Ready”, takes a toll as well.
Ok. I need some help on this. I know what a “greased” landing, touch & go’s, a “one or two hopper, and a “crash” landing are But what is ment by a “hard” landing?
Somebody please educate me.
Thank you.
A “hard” landing is just that. Not a nose first crash into the ground, but coming in too steep. Or too fast and trying to pull off a landing. Airplanes try to glide in and land rear gear first. Helicopters try to hover in and land flat. Ospreys do a little of both. At the same time. By using the term “hard”, it sounds like they came in fast, and for whatever reason, bounced on impact.
Fwiw, I am not a pilot. Just an AF vet that spent over 35 years around AF bases. Active and contractor.
Seadog, thank you. The explanation does help a lot.
May God be with the deceased Warrior’s family. May His Grace bring a healing comfort to their torn hearts and souls.
May the Angels of healing wrap their wings about the injuried Warriors and provide a peacefulness that will ease their battered souls.