According to Air Combat Command, a leak in the hydraulic fluid system and sparks from a faulty brake caused the fire that damaged a B-1B landing at Andersen AFB, Guam, on Sept. 15, 2005. An accident investigation report estimates the cost of the damage at more than $32 million, plus another $184,000 to repair the runway. The report notes that movement of one and failure of a second bushing allowed the brake to press into the wheel and gouge the rim. That action precipitated a critical pin to break, producing the hydraulic leak.
Gene Smith, Former POW and AFA Chair, Dies at 91
Jan. 19, 2026
Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.orgLt. Col. Richard “Gene” Smith, who overcame five and a half years as a...
