Eight Killed in B-52 Bomber Crash at California Air Base

Tue Jun 16 2026 09:53:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress exploded shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight aboard and sending a massive plume of black smoke across the Mojave Desert.

A B-52 Stratofortress crashed on take‑off from Edwards Air Force Base, killing eight crew members, including two Boeing employees, and causing a large plume of smoke. The incident, deemed non‑survivable, prompted statements from Air Force officials and condolences from California officials and congressmen. Investigations are ongoing, with the cause expected in weeks to months.

Eight people, including two Boeing employees, were killed when a United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed immediately after take‑off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California.

The aircraft, which was participating in a routine test mission for the base’s radar modernisation programme, burst into flames at 11:20 local time (19:20 GMT) and spewed a huge plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles. The crew’s next of kin are being notified, with names to be released 24 hours later, according to Col. James Hayes.

The base said the incident was “not survivable” and has temporarily grounded all inbound aircraft. Aerial footage shows a charred, smoking landscape where the crash took place.

"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans," Hayes said, referring to the crew as a “mixed crew of military, government civilians and government contractors.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom described the crash as "a tragic incident" and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Local congressmen, including Rep. Vince Fong and Rep. Jay Obernolte, posted prayers and solidarity on X.

Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among the eight casualties and is coordinating with families. The aircraft, nicknamed "the Buff," has been in service since the 1950s and can carry a payload of conventional bombs and 32 nuclear cruise missiles up to a 70,000‑lb weight.

Investigations are ongoing, with initial footage deemed an “unrecoverable crash.” Further cause analysis could take more than six months, Hayes said.