A U.S. B-1 Lancer bomber from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota crashed on Thursday during an attempted landing.
All four crew members successfully ejected, as confirmed by the Air Force.
The incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. while the B-1 was engaged in a training mission.
The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth provided details, stating, “The B-1 crashed while attempting to land on the installation. At the time of the accident, there were four aircrew on board, all of whom ejected safely.”
Weather conditions during the crash were challenging, marked by poor visibility, freezing temperatures, and low clouds, as reported by automated weather equipment monitoring airfield conditions.
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The B-1 Lancer, a conventional supersonic bomber introduced in the 1980s, has played a crucial role in supporting U.S. bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region and participating in close air support missions during U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
Notably, the B-1 does not carry nuclear weapons. Although originally 100 were built, fewer than 60 are currently in service, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and Ellsworth Air Force Base.