B-1B ACCIDENT REPORT RELEASED

Published Oct. 1, 2008
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Near-simultaneous failure of two hydraulic systems on a B-1B bomber caused a ground collision with concrete security barriers and a fire that destroyed the aircraft and damaged two others in an accident at a forward operating location April 4, according to a report released by Air Combat Command today.

There were no injuries. Damage to the B-1B and two C-130J aircraft totaled $346 million.
The aircraft was assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Shortly after landing at the end of a combat mission, two hydraulic systems in the aircraft's landing gear failed, causing a loss of brakes and steering as the B-1B moved down a taxi-way. Unable to stop and despite the crew's attempts to regain control of the aircraft, the B-1B struck a seven-foot concrete barrier near a line of C-130J aircraft, rupturing the fuel tank and sparking a fire which destroyed the bomber.

For more information, contact the Air Combat Command Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5014 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.