8 victims killed in B-52 crash identified by Edwards Air Force Base

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards Air Force Base, New York
Edwards Air Force Base
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft, Fire

Summary

Car Crash Edwards Air Force Base New York in Edwards Air Force Base, New York: A B‐52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on a routine test mission, killing all eight people aboard. The aircraft burst into flames and the incident is under investigation.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Unknown Fatal
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella Unknown Fatal
retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton Driver Fatal
Maj. Alexander Davis Unknown Fatal
Maj. Robert Dee Driver Fatal
Maj. Brad Hovey Driver Fatal
Jeromy Smith Unknown Fatal
Christopher Rischar Unknown Fatal

Original reporting

8 victims killed in B-52 crash identified by Edwards Air Force Base | KTLO

Related accident news