The Osprey is back in the air after being grounded for months following a crash last November that killed eight U.S. service members in Japan.

The Osprey is back in the air after being grounded following a crash that killed eight U.S. troops in Japan, but questions remain about its safety.

Military officials have refused to say whether they're still working with a company responsible for making the gear that failed on an Air Force V-22 Osprey aircraft and led to the deaths of eight airmen last year, despite long-running questions over the quality of the part and allegations of the manufacturer using lower-quality steel.

The Air Force is still not flying Osprey aircraft in Japan despite getting the green light to lift a monthslong flight hold following a deadly crash off the country's southern coast.

The Osprey fleet has since at least 2010 been plagued by an issue of hard-clutch engagement in the proprotor gearbox, which has caused multiple incidents.