Air Force B-1B Lancer Crashes at Ellsworth Air Force Base during Training Mission

ELLWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD – In a tragic incident today, an Air Force B-1B Lancer crashed during a routine training mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The crash occurred in the afternoon, causing significant damage to the aircraft and raising concerns about the safety of military operations.

The accident took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, according to eyewitnesses. The B-1B Lancer, a long-range strategic bomber, was reportedly flying at a low altitude when it suddenly went down, crashing near the base’s training range. Emergency crews and military personnel rushed to the scene immediately.

There were no survivors in the crash, and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation. The Air Force has not released any information regarding the number of crew members on board or their identities. Families of the personnel have been notified, and grief counseling is being provided to base personnel affected by the tragedy.

Ellsworth Air Force Base, located near Rapid City, South Dakota, is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-1B Lancer. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft and the training procedures in place at the base. The B-1B Lancer, known as the “Bone,” is a crucial component of the Air Force’s bomber fleet and is responsible for conducting long-range strike missions.

The crash has prompted the grounding of all B-1B Lancer aircraft until further notice. This decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the aircrews and to allow for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. The exact timeline for when the aircraft will be cleared for flight again is uncertain.

Ellsworth Air Force Base plays a vital role in the nation’s defense strategy, and incidents like this highlight the risks associated with military operations. The Air Force is committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Members of the public are urged to avoid the crash site and to respect the privacy of the families affected by this tragedy. The Air Force and local authorities are working together to secure the area and facilitate the investigation process.

As more information becomes available, updates will be provided to the public through official channels. The Air Force is dedicated to transparency and will ensure that accurate and timely information is shared with the public as the investigation progresses.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the personnel involved in this tragic accident. The Air Force community mourns the loss of these brave individuals and stands ready to support their loved ones during this difficult time.

For media inquiries, please contact the Public Affairs Office at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the information available at the time of writing. Further updates may alter the details of the incident.

Keywords: Air Force, B-1B Lancer, Ellsworth Air Force Base, training mission, crash, investigation, safety, military operations

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BREAKING: An Air Force B-1B Lancer crashed at Ellsworth at Ellsworth Air Force Base today during a training mission

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 5, 2024

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@TheInsiderPaper said BREAKING: An Air Force B-1B Lancer crashed at Ellsworth at Ellsworth Air Force Base today during a training mission

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