USAF B-1B Lancer Makes Emergency Landing in Midland, Texas

Tom Demerly
2 Min Read
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), South Dakota, arrives at Andersen AFB, Guam, Dec. 4, 2017. Two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers conducted a continuous bomber presence (CBP) mission on return to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley, Australia, where they have been since late November supporting U.S. Pacific Command's Enhanced Air Cooperation initiative.(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

Reports: No Injuries in Engine Incident That Forced Emergency Landing at Airport.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer heavy bomber is reported to have made an emergency landing following an “engine failure” at Midland International Air and Space Port between Midland and Odessa, Texas, on May 1, 2018.

The aircraft shown on the ground in photos posted on social media is from the 7th Bomb Wing, either the 28th or 9th Bomb Squadron (most probably the first one based on the tail markings) at Dyess AFB near Abilene, Texas. Midland International Air and Space Port is approximately 150 miles from Dyess AFB where the aircraft likely originated.

No injuries were reported in the incident and all four of the crewmembers on board the B-1B Lancer were reported to have left the plane on the ground normally.

A story published on the KTXS12, local ABC affiliate website, said that officials at Dyess AFB told reporters the B-1B, “experienced an in-flight emergency”. Another local news station, KWES, quoted the airport manager as saying the aircraft experienced a “flame out”.

The B-1 on the ground at Midland International Airport. Image credit: Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram MRT.com

Reports indicate the aircraft was not carrying any munitions at the time of the incident. The bomber will remain at the Midland airport “until it can be safely returned to Dyess,” according to a new release.

More from The Aviationist

The Incredible Armada of Aircraft Behind 1969’s Battle of Britain Film

On Sept. 15, 1969, cinema audiences were treated to a dramatic portrayal…

Kai Greet Kai Greet

US Approves Possible Sale of Nine KC-46A Pegasus Tankers for Japan

The latest deal would take the number of KC-46As in Japan’s inventory…

Parth Satam Parth Satam

U.S. State Department Approves $7.2B Sale Of F-35 Jets To Romania

The Foreign Military Sale’s approval comes after Romania announced the plan to…

Stefano D'Urso Stefano D'Urso

DARPA Awards BAE Systems $4 Million for Autonomous Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Program

Autonomy solutions for BVR combat will initially be developed and demonstrated on…

Parth Satam Parth Satam

The B-1B is a supersonic, four-engine, variable-geometry swept wing heavy strategic bomber that first flew in 1974. It is in operational use with the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command and has been used extensively in the Global War on Terror. The B-1B has demonstrated an excellent safety record for a large supersonic aircraft.

Top image: file photo of a U.S. Air Force B-1B

Share This Article
Leave a comment