8 presumed dead after Air Force bomber crashes on takeoff at California base - AOL

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
Edwards Air Force Base
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Incident type
Aircraft, Crash

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday at 11:20 a.m. PT. The aircraft went down during a routine test mission, and all eight crew members are presumed dead. Initial indications suggest the crash was not survivable.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Unnamed aircraft commander Unknown Fatal
Unnamed Pilot Driver Fatal
Unnamed radar navigator Unknown Fatal
Unnamed navigator Unknown Fatal
Unnamed electronic warfare officer Unknown Fatal
Unnamed Passenger Passenger Fatal

Original reporting

8 presumed dead after Air Force bomber crashes on takeoff at California base - AOL

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