An official US Air Force (USAF) Accident Investigation Report has been published by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) into the mishap involving a Rockwell B-1B Lancer on April 20, 2022, at Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), Texas. The aircraft’s engine exploded injuring an airman not long after it had been through a maintenance procedure.
On April 20, 2022, at approximately 2216hrs (local time), the mishap aircraft – a USAF B-1B (serial 85-0089) – assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing’s 7th Maintenance Group/7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dyess AFB experienced a catastrophic engine failure and fire while undergoing maintenance on the main ramp at the Texas base. The aircraft suffered damage to the No 1 engine, as well as extensive fire damage to the left nacelle and wing.
Hot shrapnel from the explosion struck one airman on the leg. He suffered minor injuries, including abrasions and lacerations, bone bruising and muscle injury to the lower right leg and was treated promptly at the local hospital. The estimated cost of damage to the mishap aircraft is $14,943,680.
Shortly before the accident, the mishap maintenance crew, comprising members from the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 489th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perfor…
