A B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber destroyed runway lights in the UK during a 'crabwalk'

An unpleasant incident occurred at the UK's Royal Air Force Base Fairford involving a US B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber.

Here's What We Know

The strategic aircraft travelled almost sideways on the runway. This attracted the attention of many users who watched the video on social networks. But during the movement, the wing landing gear knocked over the landing boundary lights installed along the runway.

The sideways movement of the bomber is called "crabbing" or "crabwalk". This manoeuvre allows pilots of large aircraft, including the B-52H, to navigate narrow lanes.

The U.S. Air Force did not comment on the incident. The public affairs office of the 307th Bomb Wing, which owns the Stratofortress, said it had launched an investigation and declined to provide further details.

The landing boundary lights at the Fairford base were affected by the wing landing gear. Unlike many other aircraft, the B-52H is equipped with additional landing gear at the end of each wing. They are needed to support the wings, which can flex several metres depending on the level of the fuel tanks.

This solution helps with taxiing and during take-off, but it can cause additional problems when using a very narrow runway. An incident at a UK Royal Air Force base was a perfect example of this.

Source: The Aviationist
Image: The Aviation Geek Club