Arizona Watcher
An MV-22B Osprey caught fire on the ground at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona during a multi-service training exercise, prompting an immediate emergency response from airport firefighters.
The aircrew executed emergency shutdown procedures and evacuated the aircraft; all aboard walked away from the scene and no injuries were reported.
Marine officials said the fire started in the right nacelle. Airport firefighters deployed foam retardant and specialized ARFF equipment to suppress the blaze and secure the area.
The Osprey was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-266 from MCAS New River and was supporting Exercise Savage Jackal; the incident occurred July 19, 2026, around 5:55–6:00 p.m. local time.
Aviation Safety Network lists the aircraft as serial number 168222 and reports substantial damage to the right engine area during startup; Marine Corps officials have not released a damage or repair estimate.
The Marine Corps has opened a formal mishap investigation. Investigators will inspect the right nacelle and engine assemblies, review maintenance records, interview the crew, and examine available video and telemetry.
The MV-22B has a complex safety history, including past groundings and fatal accidents; this mishap will be cataloged and reviewed alongside other V-22 incidents to inform any safety or procedural changes.
A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey caught fire on the ground at Mesa Gateway Airport while supporting a multi-service training exercise in Arizona. The aircrew performed an emergency shutdown and evacuated without injury; a mishap investigation is underway.