Eight people are believed to have died after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday.
The aircraft was conducting a routine test mission linked to the Air Force’s radar modernisation programme when it went down on the airfield around 11:20am local time.
Officials said initial indications suggest the crash was not survivable, while Boeing confirmed two of its employees were among those on board. Emergency crews responded immediately, the airfield was closed, and inbound flights were diverted.
The crew included military personnel, government civilians and contractors supporting ongoing upgrades designed to keep the ageing B-52 fleet operational into the 2050s. An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, prompting a major emergency response. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the wreckage as rescue and firefighting crews rushed to the crash site. (Representative Video) pic.twitter.com/XtJjXq4kYh
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) June 15, 2026
It would be interesting to see IF they were on board to monitor a program that might transform the B-52 into a mega-drone with stacks of B-61 nukes on board.
After all, these bombers are 65+ years old, and they expect another 35 years out of them?
Ever heard of metal and spar fatigue?
Hell…they have even contracted with Rolls-Royce for new engines in order to retrofit the fleet!
Even the KC-135’s are planned to fly another 10+ years…
The A-10’s are getting upgrades on an old 1970’s airframe…
And still they moan about ‘Pilot shortages’…despite everything going full-drone!