B-52 crash – A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday during what officials called a routine test mission, and authorities said initial indications point to the crash being unsurvivable. All eight people aboard are presumed dea
A plume of smoke rose over a remote stretch of the high desert on Monday morning, and within hours the reality of what had happened at Edwards Air Force Base in California hardened into official words: a B-52 crash, a closed airfield, and eight people now presumed dead.
Military officials said the crash occurred just after 11 a.m. during a “routine test mission.” “Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. ” the Air Force said in a statement. Officials also said all eight people who were on the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber that crashed are presumed dead.
The identities of those on board were not immediately available, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. At first, the base confirmed only that the B-52 Stratofortress crashed “shortly after takeoff” at the base’s airfield at 11:20 a.m.
On the ground, emergency crews moved quickly. The base said. “Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing.” The response triggered a broader shutdown at the facility: the airfield was closed and all inbound aircraft were diverted. Visitor passes were suspended for the day. with the base saying the change was meant “to focus entirely on emergency response operations.”.
At a news conference Monday afternoon, Air Force Col. James Hayes told reporters that relatives of the victims were being notified. “We lost eight great Americans. This crash is deemed to be unsurvivable,” Hayes said. “And right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones.”.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also posted condolences Monday evening, writing, “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Edwards Air Force Base community impacted by this tragic incident.”
The base’s response had a local edge. Edwards Air Force Base has its own fire department, with five stations across the base. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said Monday afternoon that it was not responding to incidents at the base. The Kern County Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Edwards Air Force Base is primarily in rural southeastern Kern County, though part of the installation extends into eastern San Bernardino County and northern L.A. County, not far from Lancaster—an area where the crash’s smoke was visible to pockets of the high desert in northern Los Angeles County.
The B-52 Stratofortress is described by the military as a “long-range. heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. ” known as the “backbone of the manned strategic bomber force for the United States.” Air Force information says such planes typically carry at least five crew members: an aircraft commander. pilot. radar navigator. navigator and electronic warfare officer. As of Monday afternoon, officials were still working to account for everyone involved in the crash.
Edwards Air Force Base B-52 crash U.S. Air Force Col. James Hayes Gavin Newsom Kern County San Bernardino County aviation accident investigation
“Routine test mission” and then boom, like how does that even happen…
Presumed unsurvivable? So are they sure or just saying that to be safe? Kinda feel like they always jump to worst case.
I read “shortly after takeoff” and immediately thought pilot error, sorry. But like they said remote stretch and smoke so maybe it just fell out the sky? Also Edwards is super dry so I don’t get the smoke plume thing.
Eight dead and they didn’t even share names yet… seems messed up. Why was it “closed airfield” if it was routine, like did they already know something was wrong? Hope they find the cause fast, but knowing the Air Force they’ll blame a sensor or “unknown” and move on. Also B-52s are like old school, I feel like maintenance gets overlooked.