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Today in History: B-2 Spirit stealth bomber crashes in Guam

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 23, 2008, the Spirit of Kansas, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, crashed shortly after takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Both crew members ejected safely, but the aircraft was destroyed, marking the first operational loss of a B-2 bomber. The incident resulted in an estimated loss of $1.4 billion, making it the most expensive aircraft crash in history.

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Story summary

On February 23, 2008, the Spirit of Kansas, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, crashed shortly after takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Both crew members ejected safely, but the aircraft was destroyed, marking the first operational loss of a B-2 bomber. The incident resulted in an estimated loss of $1.4 billion, making it the most expensive aircraft crash in history.