The US Air Force (USAF) revealed that on Wednesday, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber had dropped engine during training flight. Reportedly, the aircraft, powered by eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engine, had dropped one of its engines due to a yet-unknown reason, right after it took off from Minot Airbase. The parts of the engine was found approximately 46 km northeast of the airbase. The bomber landed safely thanks to its remaining seven engines. USAF stated that the aircraft was not armed.Â
B-52s started flying in 1952 and are planned to be kept in inventory until 2040. In consequence of the incident, USAF considers starting maintenance and repair of the engines afresh.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)