Air Force identifies all 8 victims of B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A U.S. Air Force B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, on Monday around 11:20 a.m. local time. Eight crew members aboard the aircraft were killed, including military personnel, government civilians and contractors. The crash occurred during a routine test mission for fleet modernization involving new radar, avionics and engines.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

Air Force identifies all 8 victims of B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base | Fox News

Related accident news