Investigation Continues After B-52 Accident on Andersen AFB, Guam

  • Published
  • By 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Emergency responders and law enforcement officials have successfully completed their initial response procedures following a B-52H Stratofortress accident that occurred earlier today.

The seven aircrew members aboard are safe and no injuries have been reported.

"We are thankful that the aircrew are safe," said Brig. Gen. Douglas Cox, 36th Wing Commander. "Because of their quick thinking and good judgment in this emergency situation, the aircrew not only saved their lives but averted a more catastrophic incident."

Responding to the incident was a joint effort as emergency response personnel from Andersen, Navy Base Guam, Joint Region Marianas and Government of Guam promptly established a cordon and extinguished the flames.

 "Our personnel regularly train to respond to crises like the one we experienced today," said Cox. "We're also grateful for the support from our Government of Guam and U.S. Navy partners in addressing this serious incident."

Andersen environmental specialists are assessing any potential impacts that may have resulted from leaked fluids or burning aircraft materials to prevent damage to the ecosystem.

The aircraft was carrying inert munitions at the time and posed no danger to the local community.

When an incident or accident occurs, there are three types of boards that will convene. First is the Interim Safety Board, which serves as the on-scene safety team and is responsible for information gathering and the preservation of evidence.

Following the ISB, a Safety Investigation Board will be convened to investigate the incident for the sole purpose of preventing future mishaps. The SIB report is privileged and is not releasable outside of safety channels.

Upon completion of the SIB, the Accident Investigation Board is convened. The AIB's charter is to perform the legal investigation, and as such that is a publically releasable report.

Once the AIB is completed, results will be released via a public affairs release.

For questions concerning the investigation, contact Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs.

For questions concerning the B-52's mission, contact Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs.