The B-2 Spirit “Stealth Bomber” that crashed Saturday, Feb. 23, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was on fire prior to the crash, according to a report cited by the Air Force Times. The fire, which was reported shortly after takeoff, was followed by an uncommanded and uncontrollable roll to the right. The aircraft crashed between the ramp and taxiway at approximately 10:45 a.m. local time, and not before both pilots had safely ejected. One of the pilots suffered spinal compression and as of Thursday remained in the hospital. The crashed aircraft, the Spirit of Kansas, a part of the 509th Bomber Wing, had more than 5,000 flight hours. The remaining fleet is not “grounded” but under a “safety pause,” according to the Air Force — the aircraft could be called to service if tasked with a mission. During the safety pause, six B-52s have arrived “to replace” the remaining three B-2s in Guam. An investigation is under way, led by a board of officers; no causal information had been released at the time of this writing.
