On February 23, 2024, a B-52H Stratofortress bomber stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota executed an emergency landing due to an engine fire. The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. local time. Fortunately, all crew members emerged unharmed, according to a base spokesperson who spoke to Air & Space Forces Magazine1.
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The single-engine fire prompted the pilot to take immediate action, landing the bomber safely at approximately 12:52 a.m. The base fire department swiftly arrived on the scene and extinguished the aircraft fire. Notably, the B-52H Stratofortress is powered by eight engines and designed to fly and land safely even in the event of up to two engine failures1.
Colonel Daniel Hoadley, the commander of the 5th Bomb Wing, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the crew members and commended the base firefighters for their rapid response. The exact cause of the engine fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway, adhering to standard protocols for accidents involving military operations1.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by skilled pilots and emergency responders in ensuring the safety of military aircraft. While the B-52 has a storied history and remarkable resilience, incidents like this underscore the need for continuous vigilance and thorough investigations to prevent future mishaps.