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10/1/2008 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Near-simultaneous failure of two hydraulic systems on a B-1B bomber caused a ground collision with concrete security barriers and a fire that destroyed the aircraft and damaged two others in an accident at a forward operating location April 4, according to a report released by Air Combat Command today.

There were no injuries. Damage to the B-1B and two C-130J aircraft totaled $346 million.
The aircraft was assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Shortly after landing at the end of a combat mission, two hydraulic systems in the aircraft's landing gear failed, causing a loss of brakes and steering as the B-1B moved down a taxi-way. Unable to stop and despite the crew's attempts to regain control of the aircraft, the B-1B struck a seven-foot concrete barrier near a line of C-130J aircraft, rupturing the fuel tank and sparking a fire which destroyed the bomber.



Found this on the F-15E demo news.

Thank god there were no injuries

Oops.

Do military planes have insurance? E.G> no insurance when they are in combat, but insurance when they do everyday activities.

Do military planes have insurance? E.G> no insurance when they are in combat, but insurance when they do everyday activities.

As far as the UK armed forces are concerned, the answer is no. What they do have is Crown Indemnity Insurance. This only covers an accident where a civilian is injured or civilian property is damaged. As far as a multi million pound aircraft becomes a smoking hole in the ground, as a a tax payer you have nice deep pockets the MOD is a big company and they just get another one out of the store (yes even aircraft are in storage) and carry on or most likely make do with what is left over and tell us all is fine. After all we are the Can Do armed force regardless of what we do or do not have. Don't forget the commander who say, sorry can't do that is the one who does not get promoted. What we need is a bit more Douglas Bader attitude.........."My squadron is not operational until I get the required spare parts."

Matt

PS Here is one that not a lot of people know, no MOD held vehicles (not including fleet hire) have insurance or MOT!!!!, they are covered by said insurance above. Some of the wrecks I had to drive on public roads during my service time would have had you in front of a judge

Unfortunately, a plane like the B-1B isn't something you can replace so easily!

A good portion of the still-airworthy aircraft are on "Parts duty", meaning they get scavenged for whatever is needed until the actual part can come in, then it's replaced.

What a huge loss, but thankfully it wasn't as bad as it could have been!