B-2 Bomber Lost After Landing Gear Failure, Design Flaw Cited in Report

A newly released U.S. Air Force accident report has revealed that a component failure and a design flaw combined to cause the December 9, 2022 loss of a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The incident occurred moments after landing, when the aircraft’s left main landing gear collapsed, dragging its left wing along the runway and grass apron for several thousand feet.

The mishap began during the approach, when a Cryofit coupling on the right main landing gear failed, releasing hydraulic fluid needed to lower the gear. The crew activated the emergency extension system, which locked the right gear in place. However, the hydraulic loss and the use of the emergency system exposed a design flaw that affected the left landing gear.

The system’s method of lowering the right gear caused a slight retraction in the left gear’s lock link assembly, but not enough to trigger a cockpit warning. Upon touchdown, normal compression of the truck position actuator generated a hydraulic pulse. With system pressure already reduced, the pulse created a pull force that fully retracted the lock assembly. The left main landing gear then unlocked and collapsed under the bomber’s weight.

The Air Force decided to scrap the aircraft, reducing the operational B-2 fleet to 19.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationweek.com