Marine Osprey Catches Fire, Makes Hard Landing in North Carolina During Training
An aircraft carrying four Marines experienced a mid-air fire and subsequently made a hard landing in a forested area of Bladen County.
A Marine Osprey aircraft caught fire and executed a hard landing in a forest in Bladen County, North Carolina, on Thursday morning. The aircraft was engaged in a training exercise at the time of the incident.
According to reports, four Marines were aboard the MV-22B Osprey. One Marine sustained burns and was transported to a nearby clinic for treatment. The Bladen County fire chief confirmed that the aircraft was still ablaze when he was contacted.
The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune had scheduled training exercises in the French Creek area throughout the week. An advisory issued by the base warned personnel and visitors of increased exercise and emergency-response activity between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., urging avoidance of the area if possible.
The specific unit operating the Osprey has not yet been confirmed by the Marines, who indicated a statement would be forthcoming.