Pilots Safe in 1st-Ever B-2 Crash

3 other Guam-based Stealth bombers staying put, for now

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2008 6:42 AM CST

(Newser) – A B-2 stealth bomber crashed after takeoff from a US base in Guam this morning—the first-ever failure for the $1.2 billion bat-winged craft, AP reports. Thick, black smoke could be seen billowing from the wreckage, one witness said. Both pilots successfully ejected and are in good condition; one has already been released.

The bomber was one of four stealth craft set to leave Guam after a four-month rotation. The first B-2 had taken off without incident when the second plane smashed into the ground at around 10:30 am. In light of the incident, the remaining three bombers will remain on Guam rather than heading back to their home base in Missouri.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

This image provided by the U.S. Air Force shows a B-2 stealth bomber flying over the Pacific Ocean, before arriving at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in 2006. A B-2 stealth bomber crashed Saturday Feb.... (Associated Press)

This image from the US Air Force shows a B-2 Spirit landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on Sunday, April 30, 2006. A B-2 stealth bomber crashed at an air base on Guam Saturday Feb. 223, 2008 but... (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by the U.S. Air Force a B-2 bomber is seen during a training exercise near McGuire Airforce Base, N.J., in this March 23, 2001 photo. A B-2 stealth bomber crashed at an air base... (Associated Press)

In this file photo released by the Department of Defense, Aug. 4, 2006, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber refuels from a KC-10 Extender aircraft over Australia during exercise Green Lighting.... (Associated Press)

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Pilots Safe in 1st-Ever B-2 Crash