Air Force grounds B-1 bombers after ejection seat incident

The Air Force has ordered a grounding of its B-1B Lancer bomber fleet after a problem with an ejection seat.

One of the long-range strike aircraft made an emergency landing in Midland, Texas, when the issue was discovered and the stand-down was ordered on Thursday, Air Force Global Strike Command announced in a press release on Friday.

The Air Force Safety Investigation Board is investigating the problem and the fleet will remain grounded until it is resolved, the command said.

“The SIB’s purpose is to prevent future mishaps or losses and is comprised of experts who investigate the incident and recommend corrective actions. The safety of airmen is the command’s top priority,” according to the release.

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