Armedforces News - March 2008
USAF Investigating B1b Bomber Incident in Guam
Posted by Paul Fiddian on 10/03/2008 - 17:12:32
The United States Air Force has launched an investigation into an incident that occurred on the 7th March in which a B1b Lancer strategic bomber collided with emergency vehicles.
The incident took place at Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) on the island of Guam.
B1b Bomber Diverted after Air Incident
According to Captain Joel Stark – spokesman for the USAF – the B1b was on its way back from an airshow in Singapore – its destination being Ellsworth Air Force Base. It diverted to Anderson AFB after an in-flight emergency call was made – the nature of which is not known.
Having landed, he added, the heavy bomber was on Anderson’s taxiway at the time of the collision.
The B1b’s crew had already exited the aircraft hence, said Stark, no injuries were caused. Neither were any of the vehicles’ crews injured.
The B1b was not carrying any munitions, Stark clarified, adding that the collision left it significantly damaged.
Third B1b Bomber Incident this Year Involving USAF Military Aircraft
The collision represents the third incident this year that has occurred in Guam, in which a USAF military aircraft has been involved.
In February, a United States Navy aircraft came down in the sea. The crew of the Grumman EA-6B Prowler – having ejected - were recovered by search and rescue forces.
More recently, a Northrop B-2 Spirit (‘Stealth Bomber’) crashed on Andersen AFB’s runway. The investigation into that incident remains ongoing.
The Rockwell B1b has now been in USAF service for 22 years – the US military being its sole operator.
Anderson AFB is one of several USAF bases located in the Pacific – others including Japan’s Kadena Air Base. It is also a designated Space Shuttle landing site – one of only a few in the world.
Source – Armed Forces International’s Aviation Expert
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