Image: Commons
The B-2 Bomber is showing its age. Or maybe the sophisticated supercomputer on board just had a bad day. Either way, reports indicate that a B-2 Spirit out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri had to make an emergency landing on the morning of Tuesday, September 14th, while conducting a training mission.
The legendary aircraft is part of a fleet of just 20 stealth bombers currently in operation. According to preliminary reports, the crew experienced some unknown malfunction (rumored to be a possible hydraulic failure) which caused them to return to Whiteman, where the aircraft is based. It is our understanding that the B-2 sustained further damage upon landing. Although the details are not being released just yet, apparently the bomber slid off the runway and ended up in the unpaved, grassy surface next to the landing strip.
The Drive - which broke the story first - obtained an official statement from Whiteman Air Force Base confirming that "there has been an incident at Whiteman AFB. It occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 14. A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit experienced and [sic] in-flight malfunction during a routine training mission and was damaged on the runway at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, after an emergency landing. There were no personnel injuries and no fire associated with the landing. The incident is under investigation and more information will be provided as it becomes available."
Damaged B-2 Spirit Is Sitting Wing-Down Off The Runway After Landing Mishap
Satellite imagery shows that a B-2's late-night emergency landing resulted in it ending up resting on its side off the runway at Whiteman AFB.
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