Report: B-2 caught fire before crashing

[unhappycamper]

Report: B-2 caught fire before crashing
Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Feb 26, 2008 21:40:17 EST

All B-2 Spirit flying operations have been temporarily suspended while investigators examine why a B-2 slammed into the runway Saturday at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, shortly after it took off, officials said.

A fire was reported shortly after take off by one of its pilots, an unnamed senior Air Combat Command official reportedly told Aviation Week. The B-2 then “rolled uncontrollably to the right” and crashed between the ramp and the taxiway at 10:45 a.m. Saturday in Guam time, the magazine reported.

Both pilots ejected safely Saturday, though one is currently hospitalized at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu and being treated for a spinal compression, said Tech. Sgt. Tom Czerwinski, a Pacific Air Force’s command spokesman.

The names of the two pilots have not yet been released, said 509th spokesman 1st Lt. Matt Miller.

The fleet of 20 remaining B-2s is not grounded, but Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, the 509th Bomb Wing commander, ordered the safety pause to allow the unit to review procedures, Miller said.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/airforce_B2_crash_022608w/