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

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Key Takeaways:

  • The crash of a B-2 Spirit bomber on takeoff at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was caused by water in the aircraft's sensors.
  • Moisture in three port transducer units distorted air data, sending flawed information to the bomber's flight control computers.
  • This inaccurate data led to an "uncommanded 30 degree nose-high pitch-up on takeoff," as the aircraft reacted to perceived negative angle of attack and incorrect airspeed.
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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.

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