B-52 Stratofortress bomber crash: Military ID's 8 people killed in incident at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
15,000-foot runway
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B-52 Stratofortress crashed during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight crew members on board. The aircraft took off shortly before noon and crashed into the same 15,000‐foot runway, with investigators yet to determine the cause.

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

B-52 Stratofortress bomber crash: Military ID's 8 people killed in incident at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham

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