The command investigation into the cause of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (REIN), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin MV-22B Osprey mishap on Melville Island, Australia, on Aug. 27, 2023, is complete. We have provided the results of the investigation to the families of our fallen Marines and provided all available resources to them during this difficult time.

The loss of Maj. Tobin Lewis, Capt. Eleanor LeBeau, and Cpl. Spencer Collart continues to be felt across the Marine Corps.

The investigation revealed the cause of the mishap to be pilot error due to a loss of situational awareness, not a result of a material or mechanical failure of any component on the aircraft. During the flight’s final approach to the precoordinated landing zone, the aircraft executed three extreme right banks, causing an aerodynamic stall condition. Follow-on flight maneuvers were unable to recover the aircraft, resulting in the crash.

The investigation commends the life-saving and supporting actions by the embarked ground combat element Marines, supporting aviation combat element Marines, and the emergency response by the Australian Defence Force and local Australian civilian first responders, who provided first aid, triaged casualties, and evacuated the injured Marines to higher echelons of care.

The Marine Corps remains unwavering in its commitment to the world class training of our aircrews and ensuring their safety. Safety is not just a priority but a way of life for us. We continually assess and improve our safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our personnel.

We will never forget Maj. Lewis, Capt. LeBeau, or Cpl. Collart, and their loved ones as we continue to provide the safest, most capable platforms to the men and women who fly them.

The redacted command investigation is available to the public via the Marine Corps Freedom of Information Act website: hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/USMC-FOIA/FRR/.

For questions about this investigation, please contact the I Marine Expeditionary Force Communication Strategy and Operations office at imef_commstrat@usmc.mil.