Investigation Is Underway Into The Accident

A B-52H Stratofortress went down at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time, May 18, on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. All seven aircrew members safely egressed the aircraft. No injuries were reported, according to the Air Force.

Emergency responders and law enforcement officials successfully completed their initial response procedures following the crash.

“We are thankful that the aircrew are safe,” said Brig. Gen. Douglas Cox, the 36th Wing commander. “Because of their quick thinking and good judgement in this emergency situation, the aircrew not only saved their lives but averted a more catastrophic incident.”

Responding to the crash was a joint effort as emergency response personnel from Andersen AFB, Naval Base Guam, Joint Region Marianas and government of Guam promptly established a cordon and extinguished the flames.

“Our personnel regularly train to respond to crises like the one we experienced today,” Cox said. “We’re also grateful for the support from our government of Guam and U.S. Navy partners in addressing this serious incident.”

Andersen environmental specialists are assessing any potential impacts that may have resulted from leaked fluids or burning aircraft materials to prevent damage to the ecosystem.

The aircraft was carrying inert munitions at the time and posed no danger to the local community. The B-52 was deployed to Andersen AFB from Minot AFB, North Dakota, as part of the Defense Department’s continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific. The 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircrew was performing a routine training mission.

(Source: USAF news release. Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.af.mil