Air Force: Sensor moisture caused 1st B-2 crash

Condition created bad readings on February flight; both pilots ejected

Video: Military news

'Stealth' drone photographed in Afghanistan
Dec. 9: The U.S. Air Force confirms it is flying a new "stealth" drone in Afghanistan raising questions about the drone's use in spy missions over Iran. Bill Sweetman of Defense Technology International discusses.

Petraeus says Afghanistan surge progress will be slow

Realism of Obama’s withdrawal goals questioned

Karzai wants U.S. for long haul

Gen. McChrystal: Afghanistan will be decisive, successful

Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day)
Click here to sign up or text NEWS to MSNBC (67622).

Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com

NBC Field Notes

NBC News correspondents and producers across the U.S. shed light on the news of the day.

updated 6:07 p.m. ET June 5, 2008

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii - The first crash of a B-2 stealth bomber was caused by moisture in sensors, the Air Force said.

The military said Thursday that the moisture created bad readings on the February flight. The flight control computer forced the aircraft to pitch up on takeoff.

The aircraft then stalled and crashed at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. It was on its way to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. That's where the fleet is based.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Both pilots ejected. One suffered a spinal compression fracture.

The Air Force grounded the B-2 fleet but resumed flying the planes in late April.