Military officials identify all 8 victims of fiery B-52 crash at California Air Force base

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the main runway at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The aircraft, part of a test flight program, was destroyed and all eight occupants were killed. No cause has been determined yet, and investigators expect the inquiry to take up to six months.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

Military officials identify all 8 victims of fiery B-52 crash at California Air Force base | News | cbs19news.com

Related accident news