Norwegian police confirm that the American crew of four died in the Osprey accident in Nordland County Friday.
The American V-22B Osprey aircraft belongs to the U.S. Marine Corps and was taking part in the Norwegian military exercise Cold Response. The aircraft had a crew of four and was out on a training mission in Nordland County on Friday 18 March 2022.
It was on its way north to Bodø, where it was scheduled to land just before 18:00 on Friday.
The plane crashed in Gråtådalen in Beiarn, south of Bodø. A search and rescue mission was launched immediately. At 01.30 Saturday night, the police arrived at the scene.
The police in Nordland County now confirm that the crew of four have died. As far as the police know, the four are of American nationality. Apart from the crew, there were no other people on board the Osprey.
“Yesterday afternoon I was notified that an American aircraft was missing and had not arrived in Bodø according to the original plan. I feared the worst, but hoped for a long time for better news”, says Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen.
“The search and rescue operation found what was an accident site. It has now sadly been confirmed that the crew on board the American aircraft died in the accident. My thoughts go to the crew’s family, friends and colleagues. I would like to thank everyone who have been involved in the search and rescue operation. We have no one to lose”, says Kristoffersen.
Exercise Cold Response will carry on as planned, with the measures we have to take due to the weather. The Norwegian Armed Forces support the Americans in managing the situation going forward. The U.S. Marine Corps will notify the relatives and the Armed Forces will support when needed.
The police have launched an investigation and notified the AIBN. The weather in the area is very poor, and work at the scene has been completed as of now. The police will continue as soon as the weather conditions allow.
