B-1B crash result of pilot error and 'culture of noncompliance'
A B-1B bomber crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base was caused by pilot error and a culture of noncompliance, leading to a total loss of over $456 million and highlighting systemic issues.
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A B-1B bomber crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base in January was attributed to pilot error and a "culture of noncompliance" within the unit, according to an Air Force investigation report. The crash occurred during landing in adverse weather conditions, where the pilot failed to account for severe wind shear, resulting in the aircraft skidding nearly 5,000 feet before catching fire and being declared a total loss valued at over $456 million. The investigation highlighted ineffective teamwork among the crew, inadequate communication, and a lack of discipline within the 34th Bomb Squadron.
The report noted that the crew's mistakes stemmed from a broader issue of noncompliance with safety standards, with one crew member's weight exceeding the ejection seat limit contributing to injuries during the incident. The investigation revealed that the crew did not adequately monitor the aircraft's airspeed and descent rate, and the pilot's approach speed was significantly lower than required.
Col. Erick Lord, the report's author, emphasized that the failures were indicative of systemic issues within the unit, including unfilled leadership positions and a lack of focus on basic airmanship skills. The Air Force Global Strike Command is currently addressing the findings and implementing corrective actions to improve safety and compliance within the squadron.
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2 comments"The investigation linked one crewmember’s ejection injuries to his weight, which was nearly 260 pounds, over the ejection seat’s 245-lbs weight limit for safe use, the report said. The report found that the same crewmember had been at or near that weight at several medical checks and once was allowed to continue flying with a “self-reported” weight of 245."
"In various interviews with members of the squadron, the investigation uncovered airmen’s lack of understanding and application of cold weather altitude corrections, landing restrictions and current weather sensing capabilities on the airfield."
"The aircraft caught fire and was ruled a total loss of $456,248,485."
Which of the two possible causes do you think applies here?
1. Funnel intake: The US Air Force simply does have enough capable people coming into the system to make it to the relevant levels.
2. Lack of survival: relevant people come in, but leave the system before they can make impact.
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