Report: Baffle Malfunction Caused B-1 Crash

A fold-down baffle failed to deploy properly on the left overwing of a B-1B Lancer bomber, causing the aircraft to crash Aug. 19, an Air Force internal investigation has concluded. The bomber’s four crewmembers all ejected safely and the plane crashed into pastureland near Broadus, Mont. The incident occurred during a training mission. The crew, assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., had moved the plane’s wings into a swept-back position to enhance performance. Somehow, unbeknownst to the crew, the aircraft developed a fuel leak during the shift and lost roughly 7,000 pounds of fuel. Some of the fuel came in contact with the hot precooler duct, causing an ignition that damaged the left wing. Ignited fuel spread across the fuel tanks and ignited vapors, causing an explosion that spread through the fuel venting system. The detonation triggered a series of other explosions that eventually knocked out power in the crew compartment and disabled the plane.