The B-2 Spirit: Why the Stealth Bomber Remains Nearly Untouchable

Andersen Air Force Base, Guam – February 23, 2008
Crew: Two pilots, both ejected safely

Cause: Moisture infiltrated the aircraft’s air data sensors, providing inaccurate readings to the flight control system

Incident Details: During takeoff, the compromised sensors caused the aircraft to rotate prematurely, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The plane crashed shortly after liftoff.

Outcome: The B-2 was a total loss, valued at approximately $1.4 billion. The Air Force determined the cause was a technical failure, not pilot error.

Significance: This crash marked the first loss of a B-2 Spirit since its operational debut in the 1990s, highlighting the extreme costs and operational risks associated with flying cutting-edge stealth aircraft.