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

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

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A Boeing B‐52 Stratofortress crashed during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base shortly after takeoff on Monday. The aircraft hit the runway and broke apart, killing all eight people aboard-four active duty airmen, one reservist, and three civilians. Military officials have identified all victims and are investigating the cause of the crash.

Publicly reported parties

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