B-2 Spirit Hydraulic Failure Causes Fire
A recent U.S. Air Force accident investigation has disclosed that a hydraulic failure in a B-2 Spirit in 2022 resulted in the collapse of the stealth bomber’s landing gear, igniting a catastrophic fire that ultimately necessitated the aircraft’s retirement. The event pertained to the Spirit of Hawaii, designated to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
The Departure and Commencement of Failure
On 10 December 2022, the bomber took off from Whiteman AFB without any complications. As it neared the landing, the pilot commenced the deployment of the landing gear. Initially, all three gear doors disengaged as anticipated. A valve coupling in the hydraulic system of the right landing gear malfunctioned, resulting in a swift depletion of fluid and pressure in the primary hydraulic system.
Warning indicators activated in the cockpit, causing the aircraft’s computer to transition to the auxiliary hydraulic system. The system commenced a rapid loss of pressure. The computer oscillated between the two systems to restore functionality and disengage the correct landing gear.
Attempt for Emergency Extension
The crew commenced an emergency extension process to deploy the right landing gear, ultimately achieving success. The pilots announced an in-flight emergency to Whiteman’s control tower, activating the base’s crash-response routine. Fire crews, medical personnel, and rescue teams were placed on standby for a possible incident associated with the hydraulic breakdown of the B-2 Spirit.
Landing Gear Failure Upon Touchdown
Just prior to 2:30 p.m., the bomber landed. Shortly thereafter, the left landing gear malfunctioned and collapsed beneath the aircraft’s weight. The bomber veered left, compelling the pilot to engage full right rudder and brake to maintain its position on the runway.
The left wing contacted the concrete, causing friction to damage the wingtip. This break compromised a fuel tank, causing a conflagration that propagated along the runway. The aircraft glided nearly a mile before halting, trailing a blaze of jet fuel.
Firefighting Response and Command Miscalculation
Despite both pilots evacuating unscathed, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Initially, the incident commander directed firefighters to utilise only water, mistakenly believing that foam suppressant was a final option. Foam, which is far more effective against fuel fires, was used only after a wait exceeding three minutes.
This indecision permitted the flames from the B-2 Spirit hydraulic failure incident to escalate, ultimately resulting in two explosions from internal fuel tanks. A single explosion propelled a six-foot segment of fuselage perilously near firefighters on the ground.
Fire Suppression and Damage Evaluation
Following the second explosion, which revealed further areas of the inside fire, firefighters were able to directly engage it. Firefighters extinguished the blaze about one hour after the landing. Officials assessed runway damage at $27,500, while the aircraft’s left wing and landing gear suffered over $300 million in damage.
The Air Force deemed repairs economically unviable due to the severe structural damage. They decommissioned the Spirit of Hawaii, reducing the active fleet to 19 aircraft. The Air Force, which valued each B-2 at over $1.2 billion in the 1990s, plans to retire the fleet in the early 2030s.
Findings of the Investigation and Contributing Factors
The Air Force report delineated three primary factors for the incident:
- Principal Cause: Malfunction of the hydraulic coupling valve in the right landing gear system.
- Contributing Factor: A design defect in the B-2’s landing gear assembly.
- Operational Error: The delay in deploying foam suppression allowed the fire to spread and worsen the damage.
These findings highlight the dangers associated with outdated stealth technology and the essential importance of swift decision-making in emergencies.
Wider Consequences for the B-2 Fleet
The hydraulic breakdown of the B-2 Spirit at Whiteman underscores the risks inherent in the bomber’s intricate hydraulic and landing gear systems. Ensuring mechanical reliability is crucial, as the aircraft is set to remain operational until the B-21 Raider’s arrival.
Furthermore, the incident prompts enquiries on firefighting procedures for high-value stealth assets. The postponement of efficient fire suppression measures can markedly elevate the probability of complete loss, as evidenced in this instance.
