WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Missouri -- A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit experienced an in-flight malfunction Dec. 10 during operations and was damaged on the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base after it successfully completed an emergency landing.
The B-2 did not have any munitions on board and there were no personnel injuries. A fire associated with the aircraft was extinguished by the base fire department after landing.
At the direction of Air Force Global Strike Command, Whiteman AFB implemented a safety stand-down in order for a safety investigation to be conducted on the aircraft. The B-2 fleet can be flown if directed by the commander in chief to fulfill mission requirements.
Safety investigation boards convene immediately following an aircraft incident. The board consists of specialists who provide technical expertise to prevent future mishaps. The team is conducting an extensive inspection to determine the root cause of the mishap. The Whiteman AFB runway will reopen once debris is cleared, and B-2 operations will resume at the conclusion of the safety stand-down.
“We're exercising due diligence to ensure the continued safety of our Airmen and our aircraft," said Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “Team Whiteman remains the cornerstone of national security. We are ready and prepared to answer our nation’s call.”
The incident is under investigation and further details will be released upon completion of the official investigation.
The 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office can be reached at 660-687-5727 or via email at 509BW.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil.