Marine Osprey Catches Fire in Bladen County, N.C.: 1 Marine Burned, Investigation Underway

A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey (file photo, not the aircraft involved). Photo: Cpl. Patrick King, USMC / public domain

Last updated: October 9, 2026 1:41 pm

Sanjay Mali - Founder and Editor

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey caught fire and made a hard landing during a training flight in Bladen County, North Carolina, on Thursday, Oct. 8. Four Marines were aboard. One was taken to a burn center; the other three were not hurt. The cause is under investigation.

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Key facts

Where: the Bladen Lakes State Forest area, Bladen County, N.C.
Aircraft: Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey on a training flight.
Crew: 4 Marines; 1 injured and taken to a burn center, 3 uninjured.
Fuel: about 6,000 pounds of jet fuel aboard, according to the local fire chief.
Investigation: the Marine Corps is investigating the “aviation mishap”; the fire is out.

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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey — A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey (file photo, not the aircraft involved). Photo: Cpl. Patrick King, USMC / public domain

What happened

The tiltrotor aircraft caught fire and made a hard landing in a wooded area during training. White Lake Fire Chief Dale Brennan said crews struggled to get water and trucks to the remote site. The fire has since been extinguished.

Where the Osprey came from

A Marine Corps spokesperson said the aircraft is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, near Jacksonville, N.C. Early local reports also mentioned Camp Lejeune, which is next to New River. Four officials from Camp Lejeune were flown in to help investigate.

An MV-22B Osprey on a runway — An MV-22B Osprey taxis on a runway (file photo, not the aircraft involved). Photo: U.S. Marine Corps / public domain

The Osprey’s safety record

The V-22 Osprey can take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane, and it is used by the Marines, Air Force and Navy. The aircraft has faced scrutiny after several deadly crashes in recent years. Investigators have not said whether this incident is linked to any known mechanical issue.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in Bladen County?

A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey caught fire and made a hard landing during training on Oct. 8, 2026.

Was anyone hurt?

One of the four Marines aboard was taken to a burn center. The other three were uninjured.

What caused the Osprey fire?

The cause has not been released. The Marine Corps says an investigation is underway.

Sources: WECT, WRAL, WWAY and Fox News, with statements from the White Lake Fire Department and the U.S. Marine Corps.

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BySanjay Mali

Founder and Editor

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Sanjay Mali is the founder and editor of Nexgen Headlines. He covers U.S. money news, government payments and benefits, consumer recalls and the stories that affect American families’ budgets. Every article is checked against official sources such as federal agencies, court filings and company statements, and corrections are made openly. Readers can reach him through the Contact page.