A US Air Force (USAF) operated B-52H Stratofortress jet-powered strategic bomber has crashed near Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam.
The aircraft, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, crashed shortly after launching from the air base on 18 May.
All seven crew members safely came away from the aircraft that was carrying inert munitions. The aircrew was performing a routine training mission when the aircraft crashed.
36th Wing commander Brigadier general Douglas Cox said: "Because of their quick thinking and good judgement in this emergency situation, the aircrew not only saved their lives but averted a more catastrophic incident."
Flames after the crash were extinguished by emergency response personnel from Andersen AFB, Naval Base Guam, Joint Region Marianas and government of Guam.
Cox further added: "Our personnel regularly train to respond to crises like the one we experienced today.
"We’re also grateful for the support from our government of Guam and US Navy partners in addressing this serious incident."
An investigation is being carried out to find out the cause of the crash.
A statement released by the USAF said that 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 B-52 was deployed to Andersen AFB from Minot AFB, North Dakota, as part of the continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific.
Image: A B-52H Stratofortress bomber in flight. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force.
