A critical hydraulic system malfunction led to the catastrophic crash of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
According to Military Times, an accident investigation report released Tuesday by the Air Force detailed how the bomber, known as the "Spirit of Hawaii," experienced a valve coupling failure within its right landing gear system during a December 2022 landing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The report also identified a design flaw in the landing gear and criticized a firefighter commander's decision-making during the emergency response.
After taking off from Whiteman without incident that morning, the B-2 crew faced sudden warning lights as they attempted to lower the landing gear for return. The onboard computer switched between primary and backup hydraulic systems as both rapidly lost pressure and fluid, complicating the emergency landing procedure.
Dramatic Runway Landing Leads To Fiery Disaster
When the bomber touched down shortly before 2:30 p.m., its left landing gear failed to remain locked in position and collapsed under the aircraft's weight. The main pilot desperately attempted to maintain runway alignment, even standing up from his seat to apply maximum pressure on the right brake.
The B-2's left wing dragged thousands of feet along the concrete surface, causing severe damage that ruptured a fuel tank and ignited a fire. The aircraft finally stopped nearly a mile beyond the point where the landing gear initially collapsed, leaving a trail of flames extending from the left wingtip.
Fortunately, both pilots escaped the aircraft without injuries and without needing to eject. The quick evacuation prevented what could have been a more tragic outcome for the aircrew.
Firefighting Response Complications And Multiple Explosions
The incident commander initially ordered firefighters to use only water on the flames, incorrectly believing that special fire suppressant foam should be used only as a last resort. This decision proved costly, as water alone was insufficient against the fuel-fed blaze.
After approximately three and a half minutes, the commander authorized foam application, which is significantly more effective for combating flammable liquid fires. However, the delay allowed the fire to strengthen its hold on the aircraft.
As firefighters approached to tackle the internal fire with handheld water hoses, a fuel tank in the left wing exploded about 30 minutes after touchdown. This explosion forced emergency vehicles to retreat and resume foam application from a safer distance.
Devastating Second Explosion Hurls Aircraft Debris
Ten minutes after the first explosion, a second and larger detonation occurred in another fuel tank on the bomber's left side. This powerful blast sent a six-foot-wide section of aircraft skin hurtling through the air, nearly striking firefighters and scattering debris across the crash site.
The second explosion, while dangerous, actually helped expose the internal fire to direct water application. Firefighters were finally able to completely extinguish all flames approximately one hour after the initial crash.
The investigation board determined that although the hydraulic coupling valve failure was the primary cause, the incident commander's delayed authorization of fire suppressant foam allowed the flames to spread and caused additional damage to the aircraft. The report also cited a design flaw in the B-2's main landing gear as a substantial contributing factor.
Retirement Decision Reduces B-2 Fleet Numbers
The runway sustained approximately $27,500 in damage from the incident. More significantly, the B-2's left wing and landing gear suffered more than $300 million in damage, leading Air Force officials to conclude that repair was not economically feasible.
The decision to retire the damaged aircraft reduces the Air Force's B-2 fleet to 19 bombers. Each of these stealth aircraft cost approximately $1.2 billion when they entered service in the 1990s, making them among the most expensive aircraft ever produced.
The remaining B-2 Spirit bombers are scheduled to be phased out in the early 2030s as newer aircraft enter service. This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining aging strategic assets in the U.S. military inventory.
