A US Air Force B-52H bomber diverted to RAF Fairford after declaring an emergency.

The aircraft, callsign CAKE11, declared an emergency due to engine failure before landing safely at RAF Fairford.

The bombers flight path shows the jet continued to circle between Worcester and Gloucestershire for over two hours. This was reportedly done in order to burn fuel and allow for a safe landing.

https://twitter.com/GDarkconrad/status/1334519386049290242

It should be noted that B-52 aircraft have eight engines.

RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station that is famous for hosting the Royal International Air Tattoo in addition to being frequently used by American aircraft. The most publicly well known use in recent years has been as an airfield for United States Air Force B-52s during the 2003 Iraq War.

It is the US Air Force’s only European airfield for heavy bombers.

What is the significance of “Squawking 7700”?

Captain Hoke is a Boeing 757/767 captain for a package express airline and also runs the website AeroSavvy, he had this to say.

“Declaring an emergency means the crew determines they have an “urgency” or “distress” situation. “Urgency” means the crew is concerned about the safety of the flight and needs timely (but not necessarily immediate) assistance. A “distress” condition means that the flight is in serious and/or imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.”.

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

13 COMMENTS

  1. Perhaps the United States doesn’t Approve “Wing Walking for Its’ Active Duty Aircraft-in-the-Air: Instant Readiness Repairs”?

    Consideration for Dr. Strangelove, Perhaps

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