B-1B accident report released

B-1B accident report released

https://oaprod.hq.af.mil/saf/pa/misc/listserv.cfm

{EXCERPT} PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Directorate of
Public Affairs

Release No. 0618043 Jun 18, 2004

B-1B accident report released

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - Standing water on the runway led to a
B-1B aircraft accident Feb. 27, 2004, at an undisclosed forward
operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to
a report Air Force officials released June 17.

Upon landing, the aircraft hydroplaned off the runway, damaging all
four engines and other aircraft systems. The damage is estimated at
$7.6 million.

The standing water could have been overcome had flight supervision
adequately monitored the progress of the mission and ensured the
aircrew was advised of current landing conditions.

Other contributing factors included the copilot's early release of
aircraft controls used to counter crosswinds; lack of runway surface
grooving, which aids in the removal of standing water from the runway;
and lack of communication by approach control with the aircraft about
weather and runway conditions, according to the Air Combat Command
Accident Investigation Board report.

There were no injuries or other damage to government or private
property.

For more information, contact the ACC Public Affairs office at (757)
764-5007 or e-mail .

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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com