A B-52 strategic bomber has crashed in the U.S. – the most high-profile crash in over 40 years

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A U.S. Air Force B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff during a routine test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight crew members on board. The crash was reported by the base’s press service and confirmed by the 24th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Preliminary data indicates that survival in the crash was impossible.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Unnamed Pilot Driver Fatal
Unnamed navigator Unknown Fatal
Unnamed bombardier Unknown Fatal
Unnamed flight engineer Unknown Fatal
Unnamed aircraft maintenance officer Unknown Fatal
Unnamed Crew Unknown Fatal

Original reporting

A B-52 strategic bomber has crashed in the U.S. – the most high-profile crash in over 40 years | Ukrainian News | LIGA.net

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