Free Republic

A B-1B Lancer valued at more than $450 million that crashed in South Dakota at the start of this year missed the runway by 100 feet, a mistake accident investigators attributed to the aircrew's shortcomings as well as the poor training culture within units at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The scathing crash investigation report shared with Military.com pointed to "failure to perform standard crew resource management," along with adverse weather conditions, ineffective flying operations supervision, lack of awareness, and "an unhealthy organizational culture that permitted degradation of airmanship skills" as contributing factors in the Jan. 4 crash. (Snip) The report...

A B-1 Lancer bomber crash landed in South Dakota on Thursday, forcing the entire crew to eject during a training mission. The crash landing took place at 5:50 p.m. at Ellsworth Air Force Base during a training exercise. The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth said that the accident happened while the plane was “attempting to land on the installation. At the time of the accident, it was on a training mission. There were four aircrew on board. All four ejected safely.” There were reportedly poor winter weather conditions at the time of the crash, which is still being investigated by...

FILE PHOTO -- An Air Force B-1B Lancer flies near Iraq. A Lancer like this one struck a building in a residential area in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 7 where a high-level Iraqi leadership meeting was believed to be ongoing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby) Lancer hits regime leadership targetby Senior Master Sgt. Rick BurnhamAir Force Print News04/08/03 - WASHINGTON -- An Air Force B-1B Lancer struck a building in a residential area in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 7 where a high-level Iraqi leadership meeting was believed to be ongoing. Officials at U.S. Central Command...