Exclusive Video: B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Crash Technical Report

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A B-2 Spirit bomber crashed on takeoff due to water in its sensors.
  • Moisture in the air data system's port transducer units distorted data sent to flight control computers.
  • Inaccurate airspeed and angle of attack readings caused an uncommanded 30-degree nose-high pitch-up.
  • The incident is detailed in an Air Combat Command report and accompanying video.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Original, Exclusive Videos from AVweb |Reader-Submitted & Viral Videos

The crash on takeoff of a 509th Air Wing, Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber, February 23 operating at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was caused by water in the aircraft’s sensors, according to an Air Combat report issued Thursday. Specifically, moisture in three port transducer units “distorted data introduced by a B-2 Spirit’s air data system” which led to flawed information entering the bomber’s flight control computers. The aircraft was reacting to inaccurate airspeed and a “perceived” negative angle of attack. This resulted in an “uncommanded 30 degree nose-high pitch-up on takeoff,” according to the Air Force.

The video has more detail, but you can also click here for the full story.


Don’t see a video screen?
Try disabling ad blockers and refreshing this page.
If that doesn’t work, click here to download the video directly.
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE