Overview

• The Air Force Accident Investigation Board’s final report pins the December 2022 crash on a failed CryoFit hydraulic coupling in the main landing-gear sequence valve.
• Investigators found that design vulnerabilities in the gear’s lock link assembly allowed collapse despite cockpit indicators showing the gear as “down and locked.”
• The landing-gear collapse ruptured fuel tanks and sparked a fire that destroyed the Spirit of Hawaii and caused over $300 million in damage, prompting its retirement.
• Fire crews delayed use of aqueous film-forming foam because of PFAS concerns, a hesitation the report says worsened the blaze before effective suppression.
• After grounding the fleet for inspections, Air Force Global Strike Command resumed full B-2 operations on May 22, 2023 under enhanced safety and mitigation measures.