B-52 crash – A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on June 15, killing eight people. Officials said the crash is “unsurvivable,” the cause is under investigation with final conclusions possibly taking months, and the
When a B-52 Stratofortress lifted off from Edwards Air Force Base on June 15. officials say it didn’t make it far. About 11:20 a.m. local time. the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the Mojave Desert area near the base. and the crew status was unclear as the response shifted from flight to recovery.
By the next day, June 16, the Air Force described the loss in blunt terms. Col. James Hayes said, “We lost eight great Americans. This crash is deemed to be unsurvivable.” He added that investigators have not yet revealed a cause and that final conclusions could take months.
Investigators said the plane “crashed and burst into flames” immediately after taking off. Hayes said first responders “snapped into action” to put out the fire. Footage from the crash site showed a large charred area with debris scattered and smoke rising. Hayes said the crash was “totally contained” on the runway of the base.
The Air Force has not released a cause as of June 16, and Hayes said officials had no “indication” of what led to the crash.
The B-52 involved is a long-haul heavy bomber capable of reaching subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. Officials said the aircraft was on a test mission in support of a radar modernization program. The base. spread across parts of Kern. Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties. sits about 100 miles north of the city of Los Angeles.
Victims included military personnel and civilian contractors, and they have not been formally identified. Hayes said family members were being notified on June 15, and that “This was a mixed crew.”
In a separate statement, Boeing confirmed that two of the victims were employees. The company said it was in touch with their families to offer support. adding. “We mourn this loss and honor the service of our Airmen. civilians. and contractors who work every day to advance our mission. I send my sincerest condolences to their families and loved ones,” Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said.
The investigation is unfolding while access around Edwards Air Force Base is tightly controlled. The base is closed and visitor passes were halted.
Officials described how the sequence of events ends in a moment that can’t be reversed: the aircraft took off. “crashed and burst into flames” shortly afterward. and the resulting damage was “totally contained” on the runway. With the cause still undetermined—and no indication of why the crash occurred—the only certainty so far is the scale of the loss and the slow. methodical work ahead.
B-52 crash Edwards Air Force Base Mojave Desert Air Force investigation radar modernization Boeing Troy Meink Col. James Hayes