Hovering Aircraft Knocked Limbs From Trees, Hitting Spectators

A hovering MV-22 Osprey is certainly a sight that will draw a crowd. But a group of spectators at a Memorial day military demonstration on Staten Island got more than they bargained for when the strong propwash from one of the aircraft knocked limbs from several trees into the crowd, injuring 10 people.

File Photo

The Osprey was making an approach for landing at Cloves Lake Park about 0900 Monday when the incident occurred. The rotor wash knocked some spectators down and strained tree limbs to the breaking point. Maj Neil Murphy, a Marine spokesman, said some of the tree limbs fell onto the crowd. The Wall Street Journal reports that seven people were treated for minor cuts and scrapes at a local hospital. Having seen what was being caused by their landing, the Marines aboard exited the aircraft immediately after touchdown and rendered aid.

The names of the four-person air crew have not been released pending an investigation. They are attached to the Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 236 "Thunder Chickens" based in New River, NC.

FMI: www.marines.mil