Tuesday 16 Jun 2026
Smoke rises from Edwards Air Force Base after the crash of a US Air Force B-52 bomber aircraft. (Photo/Reuters)
A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress has crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in the state of California, killing all 8 people on board.
Edwards Air Force Base said the strategic bomber went down shortly after taking off at 11:20 am PDT (1820GMT) for a "routine test mission."
Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at the base, characterised the incident as a “horrible tragedy” during a press briefing. “We lost 8 great Americans,” Hayes said, noting that the crew comprised a mix of military personnel, government civilians, and private contractors.
Boeing, the American aerospace giant that designed and manufactured the B-52, confirmed that two of its staff members were among the fatalities.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board,” the company said, expressing “deepest condolences” to the families of all eight crew members and pledging to offer continued support.
The aircraft went down in Kern County, California, according to officials.
Earlier, the base announced the closure of the airfield, with all inbound aircraft diverted.
We are deeply saddened by the eight lives lost in today’s tragic crash at Edwards AFB. We mourn this loss and honor the service of our Airmen, civilians, and contractors who work every day to advance our mission. I send my sincerest condolences to their families and loved ones.
— Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (@SecAFOfficial) June 16, 2026
Pentagon blocks further details
Edwards Air Force Base, California, and Air Force Pentagon headquarters referred questions to the initial announcement of the crash and declined to provide additional details.
"More information will be provided as it becomes available," the base added.
The B-52 typically operates with a crew of five, including two pilots, a radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer, though eight personnel were on board for this specific flight.
The aircraft is one of 76 B-52s remaining in the Air Force inventory.
The fleet is expected to remain in service for decades as the Air Force pursues extensive modernisation upgrades.
The nuclear-capable bomber first entered service in the 1950s and remains a central component of the US strategic bomber force.
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Source: TRT
