B-2 crash: Accident board to convene soon

[unhappycamper]

B-2 crash: Accident board to convene soon
By Michael Hoffman - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 29, 2008 16:52:51 EST

A week after a B-2 stealth bomber slammed into the runway shortly after take off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, all flying operations remained suspended while investigators continued to pick through the wreckage and try to determine what caused the first-ever B-2 crash.

One of the Spirit pilots reported a fire shortly after the jet took off Feb. 23, an unnamed senior Air Combat Command official reportedly told Aviation Week. The B-2, named the Spirit of Kansas, then “rolled uncontrollably to the right” and crashed between the ramp and the taxiway at 10:45 a.m. Guam time, the magazine reported.

Both pilots, whose names have not yet been released, ejected safely, though one is currently hospitalized at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, where he is being treated for spinal compression, said Tech. Sgt. Tom Czerwinski, a Pacific Air Force’s command spokesman.

Despite the injuries, both pilots will fly again, Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley told the House Armed Service’s Committee hearing.

The “Spirit of Kansas” was one of four stealth bombers deployed to Guam from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The crash occurred as they prepared to return to Whiteman, where the fleet of B-2s, now totaling 20, is stationed. After the crash, the three other B-2s stayed at Andersen during the safety pause.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/airforce_b2_crash_022908af/