Air Force B-1B Crash Report Sparks Debate: Airman’s Weight Cited as Factor
Staff Editor
2 min read
Air Force B-1B Crash Report Sparks Controversy Over Airman’s Weight
A recent U.S. Air Force accident investigation report on a B-1B Lancer crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base has ignited controversy, particularly regarding its focus on a surviving airman’s weight. The crash, which occurred on January 4 during a training exercise, saw the bomber crash 100 feet short of the runway, skid 5,000 feet, and catch fire. All four crew members safely ejected, though one suffered severe injuries.
Col. Erick Lord’s report cited multiple contributing factors, including adverse weather conditions and failure to perform standard crew resource management. However, it was the singling out of the instructor pilot’s weight as a contributing factor to injury severity that has drawn criticism.
Joni Smith, mother-in-law of the injured instructor pilot, has raised concerns with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and the state delegation. Smith argues that the report inaccurately highlighted her son-in-law’s weight as “nearly 260” pounds, exceeding the 245-pound maximum. She contends that he had never officially weighed more than 245 pounds and had passed his last physical fitness test just six weeks before the crash.
The controversy stems from the weight measurement taken while the airman was in a hospital bed, which medical professionals argue is not an accurate method for body measurement. Smith fears her son-in-law could face disciplinary action due to this alleged weight discrepancy.
The investigator claimed the weight issue highlighted a degradation of culture and discipline within the unit. This assertion has further fueled debate among aviators and crew members, who feel the report has harmed morale and dedication.
In response to the incident, the Air Force Global Strike Command has taken action, including the dismissal of the 28th Operations Group commander due to loss of trust and confidence. The report also criticized leadership issues within the 28th Operational Support Squadron and the 34th Bomb Squadron.
This crash marks the first B-1B Lancer incident in over a decade and comes at a time when the Air Force is planning to phase out the aircraft in favor of the new B-21 Raider. The Department of Defense plans to acquire around 100 B-21s to replace the aging B-1B fleet.
As the controversy continues, questions remain about the impact on morale at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the future of B-1B operations. A proposal to temporarily relocate 17 B-1B Lancers from Ellsworth to Grand Forks Air Force Base for runway repairs is currently under consideration.
