A B-1 Lancer bomber from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota crashed on Thursday, prompting the ejection of all four crew members, according to the Air Force. The crash occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. as the aircraft was attempting to land on the installation during a training mission. The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth confirmed that all four aircrew members ejected safely from the airplane. The crash took place in poor visibility, freezing temperatures, and low clouds. Automated weather reporting equipment recording airfield conditions provided this information at the time of the crash.

The B-1 Lancer is a conventional supersonic bomber that entered service in the 1980s and has played a role in U.S. bomber operations in the Asia-Pacific region and close air support missions in Afghanistan. It’s worth noting that the B-1 Lancer does not carry nuclear weapons. While 100 B-1 bombers were originally built, there are now fewer than 60 in service, split between Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

The crash of the B-1 Lancer at Ellsworth Air Force Base highlights the inherent risks associated with military training missions and operations. The safety of the crew members being of paramount importance, the successful ejection of all four crew members is a testament to the effectiveness of their training and the reliability of the aircraft’s safety systems. This incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and dangers faced by military personnel in the course of their duties.

In summary, the B-1 Lancer bomber crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota resulted in the safe ejection of all four crew members on board. The bomber, which was on a training mission at the time, crashed in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. The B-1 Lancer is a significant component of U.S. military operations in various regions, and the incident underscores the risks associated with such missions.