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 broke apart upon impact, leaving a large blackened scar on the runway and surrounding desert terrain. The crash occurred during a routine test flight supporting the B‐52 Radar Modernization Program.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Unnamed Crew 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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