Aircrew safety: award of distinction

On takeoff, at approximately 135 KIAS, the Master Caution Light and the Hydraulics-Reset light illuminated; the aircraft commander of Doom 90 then noticed zero hydraulic pressure on one of two main hydraulic systems. Because the airspeed was well past the B-52H "committed" point, the crew elected to continue the takeoff and climb-out as normal, even though the right side landing gear would not retract due to the hydraulic malfunction. At level-off, the crew consulted the emergency procedures section of the B-52H technical order to evaluate appropriate actions for the safe recovery of the aircraft. The crew recognized this emergency would result in significant landing complications including: reduced landing gear steering and crosswind crab capability, one-half rate of normal stabilizer trim and potential loss of up to 50 percent of braking action. While troubleshooting the problem, the ER and EWO discovered significant amounts of hydraulic fluid sprayed throughout the forward wheel well, visible through the crew compartment bulkhead window. To reduce the potential landing risks associated with this emergency, the crew decided to land at 230,000 lbs aircraft weight and to stop straight ahead on the runway, thereby minimizing necessary braking and steering. In addition, the crew planned to emergency egress the aircraft due to the possibility of a fire caused by leaking hydraulic fluid onto the hot brakes. All landing intentions were relayed to the Duty Instructor Pilot at Barksdale AFB, who concurred with their plan and coordinated for activation of the crash net upon Doom 90's return. The crew declared an in-flight emergency with Shreveport air traffic control and flew an uneventful approach and landing. Upon rollout, the drag chute was successfully deployed and the aircraft was brought to a stop approximately 1,000 feet from the end of the runway. The crew shut down all aircraft systems and safely egressed from the aircraft in under 70 seconds. The quick and proper actions of Doom 90's crew minimized the risk of a serious in-flight emergency and resulted in the safe recovery of a valuable national resource.

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Lt Cols Brian Anderson and Mary Hausen, Majs Don Broyles and Mark Ely, Capts Jim Covelli and Brenden Rowe, 1Lt Ryan Wellman 96th Bomb Sqdn., 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana

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