Overview

• The Accident Investigation Board’s final report credits a failed hydraulic coupling valve with preventing the left main landing gear from locking during the December 2022 touchdown at Whiteman AFB.
• Investigators uncovered a lock-link design flaw that allowed the gear to collapse, triggering a 9,062-foot skid that ruptured surge and outboard fuel tanks and ignited successive explosions.
• Base firefighters delayed use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam for more than three minutes after misinterpreting its policy status, but the board concluded earlier foam deployment would not have significantly reduced damage.
• Maintenance crews and command leadership were cleared of any procedural or oversight faults, with all preflight inspections and emergency protocols found to have been performed correctly.
• Air Force Global Strike Command is applying the report’s findings in enhanced inspections and safety updates across the remaining 19-aircraft B-2 fleet.