An Air Force CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crashed during a routine training mission on June 13 at the Eglin Range, north of Navarre, Fla., announced Air Force Special Operations Command officials Thursday. Emergency responders took five crew members from the aircraft—two by ambulance, three via air transport—to local area hospitals, they said. The extent of their injuries was unknown. The CV-22 was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla. It went down about 6:45 p.m. East Coast time, according to AFSOC’s initial release. A board will convene to investigate the accident. AFSOC said it would release more information as it becomes available.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.