Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Investigations launched into B-52H crash

Two investigations are underway into the July 21 crash of a B-52H Stratofortress off the coast of Guam. The crash of the bomber from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., about 30 miles west of the Pacific island killed all six crew members.

Heading the safety investigation board is Brig. Gen. Thomas K. Andersen, director of plans and programs for Air Combat Command headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Andersen’s flying career included time as an electronic warfare officer on B-52Hs.

Leading the parallel accident investigation board is Brig. Gen. Mark A. Barrett, commander of the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley. Most of Barrett’s flying career has been in F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor fighter cockpits.

One issue the boards are working on is the recovery of the B-52H from the ocean floor.

A first step is locating the wreckage and deciding how to bring it back to the surface, an ACC spokesman said.

Although the B-52H did not have a flight data recorder, examining the wreckage could help investigators determine how the plane’s flight controls were set and if the engines were working.