Aircrew safety: award of distinction

Immediately after takeoff the aircrew of B-52 aircraft 60-020 received a master caution and engine oil overheat indication. The engine oil temperature on the number two engine read 163 degrees Celsius. The aircrew shut down the engine in accordance with Dash 1 checklist procedures. After a successful shutdown, the aircrew decided to continue with the mission. En route to the Lancer Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace (ATCAA), the master caution and alternating current circuit breaker open light illuminated and the number one generator kicked off-line. After running the applicable Dash -1 checklists, the aircrew was unable to restore the generator. The aircrew decided to continue the mission and proceeded to the Lancer ATCAA for bombing and Electronic Attack (EA) activity. Both area and air refueling activity occurred uneventfully. On the initial descent into Barksdale AFB, the master caution light once again illuminated and indicated a generator-drive-overheat on the #5 generator. The aircrew ran the appropriate Dash 1 checklists and successfully decoupled the #5 generator. While operating on reduced electrical capability, the aircrew reduced electrical loads in order to provide enough power for flap extension. The aircrew successfully configured the aircraft and proceeded with a full-stop landing. After touchdown, the aircraft's drag chute malfunctioned during deployment. Using excellent situational awareness, the aircrew successfully slowed the aircraft to a safe stop without exceeding aircraft brake energy limits. This aircrew was faced with multiple malfunctions and abnormalities during the sortie. Their exceptional systems knowledge, aircrew coordination, and situational awareness allowed them to prevent these malfunctions from developing into a serious airborne emergency. Additionally, the aircrew's superb decision making allowed them to accomplish their mission and then safely recover one of the most vital weapons systems in the Combat Air Force today.

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Capts Samuel Smith, Marcus Halbritter, Jesse Lamarand and Damon Brewer, 1Lt James Torres, 20th Bomb Sqdn., 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, Lousiana

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