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 Boeing B‐52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base’s runway on a test flight. The aircraft fell onto the same 15,000‐foot runway and was destroyed in the impact. Eight crew members were killed, including four active‐duty airmen, a reservist and three civilians. Investigators have not yet determined 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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