Report: Warhead flight 'isolated'

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- The probe into why nuclear warheads went airborne showed inattentiveness to daily operations at the U.S. Air Force bases involved, an official said Friday.

The investigation found "a limited number of airmen" in Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and Barksdale Air Force Base, La., failed to follow procedures, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Dick Newton, assistant deputy chief of staff for operations.

Four officers -- including three colonels -- were relieved of duty in connection with the Aug. 29 incident, in which a B-52 bomber flew from Minot to Barksdale, CNN reported.

The six-week investigation found the flight was "an isolated incident," Newton said, but was "unacceptable to the people of the United States and to the United States Air Force."

The Minot wing commander and maintenance crew commander, and the Barksdale operational group commander were relieved of duty. Minot's munitions squadron commander was relieved of duty shortly after the incident.

Other personnel, including the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot, lost certification to handle sensitive weaponry, Newton said.

The matter will be referred to an Air Force convening authority to find out whether charges or other disciplinary action can be brought, Newton said.