A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber crashed yesterday at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Despite a massive fireball rendering the aircraft a total loss, none of the seven crewmembers, who are part of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, were injured in the accident, according to a statement from the 36th Wing Public Affairs office.
“Because of their quick thinking and good judgment in this emergency situation, the aircrew not only saved their lives but averted a more catastrophic incident,” said 36th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Douglas Cox.
The statement made no mention of the possible cause of the crash, but said the planned flight was a routine training mission. Only inert munitions were on board and the accident “posed no danger to the local community.” However, because the crash happened on takeoff the fuel load would have been heavy; a massive fire resulted. The B-52H has a fuel capacity of 312,197 pounds.
Crews from Andersen, Navy Base Guam, Joint Region Marianas and Government of Guam collaborated in fighting the fire. Environmental specialists are now assessing and minimizing any impact the accident may have on the surrounding ecosystem.
In December, the USAF reported the value of the airplane to be $84 million in 2012 dollars.
