B-2 crash videos released by Air Force

Remember that B-2 Stealth Bomber that crashed on takeoff from Anderson AFB in Guam back in February? Well the Air Force has finally released two videos that were taken of the incident. Keep in mind that the B-2 that crashed was #2 in a 2 ship formation, so you'll see the lead ship takeoff first before the "mishap" bomber crashes.

This first video was taken from a security camera being remotely operated and has no sound.



This second video was taken at ground level by an airman on the flight line. Again, no sound.



The Air Force has also released information on what they believe led to the $1.4 billion loss of the B-2. Moisture contamination on the fly-by-wire B-2’s air data sensors is suspected of leading to the onboard computer thinking the aircraft was pointed downward on takeoff roll and moving about 10-12 knots faster than its actual speed. This resulted in the bomber rotating way too soon and subsequently stalling before rolling to the port side and impacting the ground. Luckily, both crewmembers ejected from the aircraft and survived although one sustained a compressed spinal fracture from the ejection, though he is expected to recover fully. This particular accident is being referred to as the single most expensive aviation accident ever.

(Editor's note: Updated to include 2nd video at 18:30Z)

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Four Unnamed Airlines Under Investigation by FAA

Four U.S. airlines are being investigated for failing to comply with FAA regulations. Funny thing is that the FAA is not naming the four specific carriers by name, but I am willing to bet it is not Southwest, United, Delta, or American...so why did they call out those airlines and not these new four who had similar problems?

The FAA announced the audit of airline maintenance records after the whole Southwest snafu and has found 3 of the 4 carriers missed inspection deadlines. FAA officials said that one of the airlines failed to comply with airworthiness directives (ADs) for landing gear wiring. Another carrier failed to comply with a required plan and the other remaining airlines had aircraft overdue for inspections.

In true shoot from the hip reactionary form, the FAA will launch a new reporting system to provide employees an additional way to raise safety concerns they feel aren't getting necessary attention or response from management. Ah, more internal whistle blowers who cannot release their identity in fear of retaliation, that must be the answer.

Oh but don't worry, the FAA says we should still feel safe flying around even though, by my estimation, we have 7-8 U.S. airlines that have effed up.

MAYBE, just maybe, someone should be investigating the FAA as well. Remember those "record fines" ($10+ million) that the FAA was threatening Southwest with??? I'm beginning to think the FAA let this go, with full knowledge of the violations, and is now coming after the airlines with fines to help pay for the next generation ATC system? What's that you smell -- oh just a little rottenness, that is all.

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