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

Published
June 17, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
runway
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, 2026. The aircraft was on a test flight and impacted the same runway it departed from. Eight crew members were killed in the incident.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Driver 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 Driver Fatal

Original reporting

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

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