The crash happened around lunchtime at the base, a major operations centre for the U.S. military about 100 km north of Los Angeles. “A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 am,” the base said on Facebook. “Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. “The airfield has been closed and all inbound aircraft are being diverted. Additionally, all non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation
to focus entirely on emergency response operations.” A spokesman from the base declined to give any further information. Aerial footage showed a huge charred area on the ground. There appeared to be very little left of the plane, with a journalist in a broadcast helicopter speaking of a “large plume” of black smoke that had been visible in the aftermath of the crash.
B-52, Edwards airfield, U.S. Air Force, crash, emergency crews, airfield closed, inbound aircraft diverted, visitor passes suspended, black smoke
Why do they close visitor passes for a crash? Like civilians did something.
Black smoke plume is never good. Hope everyone’s ok. Also 11:20 am is such a weird specific time, makes me think they knew.
Wait so it crashed shortly after takeoff… but they suspended non-commercial visitor passes like that’s the real problem? I swear half the time these bases hide the details then act surprised people are mad. Was it a mechanical thing or did someone mess with the fuel? No idea but the spokesperson “declined” so clearly it’s something.
I saw that helicopter footage and it looked like the plane exploded, like instantly. Are they gonna cancel the next flight schedule or just keep it hush hush? Also Edwards is like 100 km north of LA right? So if the airfield closed, did that mess with commercial stuff too? Seems like visitors get suspended but flights get diverted… like ok, cool, but what about the people living nearby.