JAPAN — The family of a 25-year-old Georgia airman killed in an Osprey crash during a training exercise in Japan last year now knows what caused it.

Staff Sergeant Jake Turnage was killed on Nov. 29, 2023, along with seven other crew members.

After nearly a year of investigation, this week, the Air Force determined that the crash was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilot’s decision to continue flying.

Turnage’s aunt Dawn Dickerson said her nephew had always wanted to join the military.

“He’s always wanted, since he was little, to go into the military. He was very excited about his job and he was a very hard worker,” Erickson said.

Erickson said she’s glad to finally have answers about how her nephew died.

“It helps to know what happened and to know that he didn’t suffer for very long,” Erikson said.

Aviation analyst John Nance told Washington that the Osprey has a very good record of delivering people “right where you need them,” but that when things go wrong, the aircraft is hard to control.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham released a statement shortly after the crash, describing Turnage as “a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as a fun-loving and dedicated Noncommissioned Officer.”

Jake’s humor and zeal were contagious. His magnetic personality was always uplifting and lightened the load of his squadron mates. He loved to fly and to learn. His enthusiasm and positive attitude inspired others every day,” Oldham said.

The family is now working on plans to memorialize Turnage in November.