‘Our hearts are shattered’: Air Force names 8 killed in B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Published
June 18, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Edwards, California
runway at Edwards Air Force Base
Incident type
Aircraft, Crash, Fire

Summary

Car Crash Edwards California in Edwards, California: A B‐52H Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 17, 2026. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact with the runway, killing all eight crew members aboard. Investigators are examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the accident.

Publicly reported parties

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

Original reporting

‘Our hearts are shattered’: Air Force names 8 killed in B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base | The American Legion

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