A United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress declared an in-flight emergency today while operating over the south coast of England.
SOUTHAMPTON, UK — The strategic bomber, registration 60-0060, was observed circling at approximately 10,000 feet just east of Southampton. The crew transmitted a Squawk 7700 code—the international signal for a general emergency—before beginning a steady descent.
Flight Details
- Aircraft: Boeing B-52H Stratofortress
- Registration: 60-0060
- Location: East of Southampton / Solent area
- Status: Descending after declaring an emergency at 10,000 feet
The nature of the emergency has not yet been confirmed by the U.S. Air Force or the Ministry of Defence (MoD). However, such signals are typically issued for technical malfunctions, engine issues, or onboard medical emergencies.
Home Base: RAF Fairfor
The B-52 involved is part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) currently deployed to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
RAF Fairford serves as the United States Air Force’s premier “forward operating location” in Europe. While it is a Royal Air Force station, it is maintained by the USAF and specifically designed to handle heavy strategic bombers like the B-52 and the B-1B Lancer.
The base is frequently used for NATO exercises and long-range missions across the European and African theaters due to its specialized runway—one of the longest in the UK—capable of supporting the immense weight and takeoff requirements of the Stratofortress.
Current Situation
- The aircraft is returning to its primary deployment hub at RAF Fairford.
- We have confirmation this is a due to a depressurisation issue.
- Touch down on runway 27 at 09:38 GMT.
