All eight people aboard a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber were killed after the aircraft crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, triggering a large-scale emergency response and an investigation into the incident.
The bomber was carrying eight people on a routine test mission when it went down shortly after takeoff. The crash occurred around 11:20 am local time at the military installation, located roughly 60 miles north of Los Angeles.
In a statement, Edwards Air Force Base said, "An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after takeoff at 11.20 am (1800 GMT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable."
Emergency response launched
Rescue and emergency crews rushed to the scene immediately after the aircraft crashed. Officials said efforts were underway to account for all personnel involved as emergency operations continued.
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"Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel," the base said in its statement.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have caused the crash. An investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The airfield was temporarily shut down following the incident, and inbound aircraft were diverted to other locations. The base also suspended visitor access as emergency teams focused on response and recovery efforts.
"All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations."
U.S. Air Force B-52 Bomber Crashes at Edwards Air Force Base
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) June 15, 2026
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene as heavy black smoke rose from the wreckage… pic.twitter.com/14JekdI68Y
Massive fire seen at crash site
Images and aerial footage from the area showed a large scorched section of ground where the aircraft came down. Thick black smoke was reportedly visible in the aftermath of the crash, while multiple emergency vehicles were deployed around the site.
The intensity of the fire appeared to leave little of the aircraft intact. A spokesperson for Edwards Air Force Base declined to provide additional details beyond the official statements.
One of the US military's longest-serving bombers
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range heavy bomber that first entered service in the 1950s. Originally developed during the Cold War, the aircraft has remained a key part of the US military fleet through decades of upgrades and modernisation.
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The bomber is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including conventional bombs and cruise missiles. It has a combat range of up to 8,800 miles and can also carry a nuclear payload.
Typically operated by a five-member crew consisting of pilots, navigators and an electronic warfare officer, the aircraft has been used in several major military operations, including conflicts in Vietnam, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and, most recently, Iran.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed in the crash. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
FAQs:
How many B-52 bombers does the US Air Force still have?
The US Air Force currently operates 76 B-52H Stratofortress bombers.
Why is the B-52 Stratofortress considered so powerful?
The B-52 can carry up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and launch long-range missiles from outside enemy airspace.
