WASHINGTON, August 19 (RIA Novosti) - A B-1B Lancer strategic bomber out of Ellsworth Air Force Base crashed Monday in the US State of Montana during a routine training mission but all four crew members survived, the US Air Force said.
“A crew of two pilots and two weapon systems officers were on board. All four members of the aircrew safely ejected with some injuries,” the US Air Force said in a statement on its website.
"We are actively working to ensure the safety of the crew members and have sent first responders to secure the scene and work closely with local authorities at the crash site,” the statement, attributed to Col. Kevin Kennedy, the 28th Bomb Wing commander, said.
Air Force officials will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident, according to the statement. No further details of the crash have been released so far.
Boeing B-1B Lancer is a four-engine variable-sweep wing strategic bomber, which entered service with the US Air Force in 1986. It features reduced radar signature and a top speed of Mach 1.25.
The B-1B bombers are currently deployed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota (the 28th Bomb Wing) and Dyess Air Force Base in Texas (the 7th Bomb Wing).
The B-1B is expected to continue to serve into the 2030s, according to USAF officials.
