8 crew members killed when a B-52 bomber crashes at California’s Edwards Air Force Base

Published
June 16, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
runway at Edwards Air Force Base
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, killing all eight crew members aboard. The aircraft burst into flames and left a large blackened scar on the runway and surrounding desert terrain. The crash occurred during a routine test mission supporting a radar modernization program. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Unnamed Pilot Driver Fatal
Unnamed navigator Unknown Fatal
Unnamed bombardier Unknown Fatal
Unnamed flight engineer Unknown Fatal
Unnamed weapon systems officer Unknown Fatal
Unnamed aircraft maintenance technician Unknown Fatal
Unnamed ground support personnel Unknown Fatal

Original reporting

8 crew members killed when a B-52 bomber crashes at California’s Edwards Air Force Base

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