Three Fatalities and Substantial Damage of a Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey at Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, about 60km N of Darwin, NT

Date & Time:

27-AUG-2023

Type of aircraft:

Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey

Operator:

US Marine Corps (USMC)

Flight Phase:

En route

Flight Type:

Military

Total Occupants:

23

Total fatalities:

3

Circumstances:

On August 27, 2023, at 09:43 local time, a Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey operated by the US Marine Corps crashed on Melville Island, approximately 60km north of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The aircraft was part of a larger military exercise involving multiple nations and was en route at the time of the incident.
The Osprey was carrying 23 US Marine Corps personnel. Tragically, three Marines lost their lives, and five others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition. At least one patient is currently in critical condition.

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy stated that additional police and defense personnel have been deployed to Melville Island to support operations, assist with the injured, and maintain the crash site for ongoing investigations.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and debris was scattered across the area near the crash site. Recovery efforts are still underway.