Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says

The B-1 bomber crash site at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City on Jan. 4, 2024. (Courtesy of U.S. Air Force)

An undisciplined chain of command and unforeseen weather caused the $456 million B-1 bomber crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, according to a July 7 report from the U.S. Air Force.

The B-1B Lancer crash-landed Jan. 4, 2024. The mishap occurred at 5:47 p.m. during a training mission.

The aircraft hit the ground about 100 feet ahead of the runway on the base, striking an approach lighting system before skidding across the runway and catching fire.

The B-1 was declared a total loss.

All four crew members ejected. The pilot used his cellphone to signal their location, leading to a prompt response from emergency personnel. The crew survived with varying injuries.

The report said the total cost of the B-1 destruction and airfield damage was $456 million.

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The Air Force’s Accident Investigation Board identified several contributing factors to the crash. The crew did not properly monitor or respond to critical flight data, the report says. This kept the crew from recognizing dangerous conditions in time to avert the crash.

The mishap occurred as dense fog rolled across the airfield. Rapid shifts in wind direction and speed during the final minute of the crew’s approach went undetected, the report says. The dense fog, low visibility and sudden wind changes significantly hindered the crew’s ability to maintain the proper path and landing speed.

Additionally, the report cites inadequate supervision, citing one supervisor being “task saturated.” Changing weather conditions and procedures to address them, the report says, were not properly communicated or enforced.

An undisciplined organizational culture was also noted in the report. Effective cross-checking of flight instruments, situational awareness, and communication about critical airfield conditions eroded as a result, according to the report. Plus, training and standards were not rigorously enforced, resulting in complacency that undermined flight safety.

Addressing these cultural and communication issues is essential to prevent future accidents, the report says.

B-1s are long-range bombers initially developed in the 1970s. The planes will eventually be replaced by B-21 Raiders, which are currently under development for the Air Force by Northrop Grumman and are expected to begin arriving at Ellsworth sometime this decade.

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