B-1B accident report released

  • Published
Misaligned rollers on the crew entry ladder assembly created an abort condition that was the primary cause of a B-1B mishap during a mission qualification and currency training mission Nov. 23, 2004, at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., according to Air Force investigators.

The mishap crew comprised of a pilot, copilot, defensive systems officer and offensive systems officer safely exited the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft, assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, S.D., sustained more than $962,800 in damage. There was no other damage to government or private property.

Investigators determined the aborted takeoff was caused when the main caution panel entry ladder warning light illuminated following the thud of the misaligned crew entry ladder assembly after it came loose. The high-speed abort caused the brakes to overheat, leading to an explosion and a fire in the number eight landing gear. Factors that contributed to the accident include the aircrafts weight at the time of the high-speed abort and an anti-skid sensor failure.

For more information, contact the ACC Public Affairs office at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail acc.pam@langley.af.mil.