A B-1 Bomber plane crashed Monday morning in a rural area of southeast Montana, and all four members of crew managed to make it out of the craft with a few small injuries.
A spokesperson for Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City told CBS News that the aircraft slammed into a remote land near Broadus, Mont. between 9 and 10 a.m. The two pilots and two weapons systems officials on board were recovered safely after they ejected from the plane. Ambulances and air-lifts took the four to two South Dakota hospitals for evaluation nonetheless, the Associated Press reported.
The B-1 bomber, however, was not so lucky. Photos from the site of the crash depict a huge area blackened by charred remains of the plane.
"No one likes to lose an aircraft," commander of the 28 Bomb Wing Col. Kevin Kennedy told the Associated Press. "It's bittersweet that we did. Luckily, all four air crew are safely recovered...we are actively working to ensure the safety of the crew members and have sent first responders to secure the scene and work closely with local authorities at the crash site."
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Residents of the area told local Mont. CBS station MTN that ranchers witnessed a few parachutes open up from the aircraft. They also reported hearing a fiery explosion immediately before the plane imploded.
Ellsworth Air Force Base houses the 28 Bomb Wing, where 28 B-1 bombers three B-1 combat squadrons are grounded.
Check out a B-1 Bomber's test flight in the video below.
