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

Published
June 17, 2026
Location
Edwards, California
runway 15/33 at Edwards Air Force Base
Incident type
Crash, Aircraft

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52 Stratofortress crashed into the runway at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday during a test flight, killing all eight occupants. The aircraft was part of a program to keep the bomber operational and had recently been upgraded with new radar equipment. Military officials identified all victims as four active duty airmen, one reservist, and three civilians.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Col. Gregory Watson Unknown 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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