Engine Problem Grounds B-1Bs
The Air Force has grounded its fleet of B-1B strategic bombers after an engine problem similar to one in which an engine dropped off of a bomber in flight, officials said Thursday.
A B-1B on a training flight early Wednesday morning was making practice approaches at Dyess Air Force Base, Tex., when the crew heard a loud bang, Pentagon spokesman Bob Hall said. Ground safety personnel reported a fire in the right inboard engine. The plane made an emergency landing but no one was hurt.
Officials suspect that a problem with the first-stage compressor fan blades was responsible. The same cause is believed to be behind an Oct. 11 incident in which the crew of a plane from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., heard a similar bang and, after landing, found that the left outboard engine had fallen off.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
