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
15,000‐foot runway at Edwards Air Force Base
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A Boeing B‐52 Stratofortress crashed during a test flight on the 15,000‐foot runway at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. All eight crew members aboard were killed and later identified by military officials. The aircraft was part of a program to keep the aging bomber operational, but no cause has yet been determined.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson 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

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