Originally Posted by
GenuineHoverBug
The report dated June 14 2022 is published here:
COMMAND INVESTIGATION IN TO THE MV-22B AVIATION MISHAP THAT OCCURRED ON 18 MARCH 2022 DURING EXERCISE COLD RESPONSE
From the summary by Commanding General, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, FMF:
"
The investigation shows, from the recovered video and flight data, that the causal factor for the Ghost 31 mishap was pilot error."
And:
"
The investigation also explored five other factors to determine if they contributed to the mishap: weather and environmental factors, procedures for low-altitude training, errors in maintenance paperwork, inexperience in mountainous environments, and the use of recording devices. While there were errors of commission and failures to adhere to procedure, none of the five factors investigated were causal or could reasonably be considered contributory."
Thanks for linking the investigation. From page 19 and 20:
.....After conducting the descent, GT31 began maneuvering at greater than 45 degrees angle of bank (AOB) while transiting around terrain along the Grátádalen valley at speeds of up to 259 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS) , 39 knots faster than VMM-261’s default LAT planning airspeed. GT31 conducted a left-hand turn to follow the river valley. During this turn, the aircraft reached 68 degrees AOB. The NATOPS limit for AOB in an MV-22B is 60 degrees. An MV-22B is unable to maintain both altitude and airspeed at 68 degrees AOB in any published airplane configuration flight regime published in Energy-Maneuverability Diagrams. GT31 lost altitude and airspeed following the left-hand turn and began rapidly closing the distance to the western wall of the valley. In an effort to avoid the terrain, OT31 conducted a right-hand turn that reached 89 degrees AOB. At the time of this right-hand turn, GT31’s airspeed was 202 KCAS and its altitude was 1261 feet above mean sea level. GT31 came as close as 27 feet from the western valley wall during the maneuver. Attempting to complete the turn at 89 degrees AOB placed the aircraft well outside of the tested aircraft maneuverability capabilities. The highest AOB depicted on any MV-22E airplane configuration Energy Maneuverability Diagram is 75 degrees. Flight in this regime is unsustainable and results in the aircraft rapidly descending........