Eight Aboard Air Force B-52 Believed Killed in Deadly Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, on Monday, killing eight crew members, according to officials. The bomber was on a routine test mission when it went down on the airfield around 11:20 a.m. PDT.
Edwards Air Force Base confirmed the crash in a statement, saying "initial indications are that the crash was not survivable." Emergency response personnel immediately responded to the scene, and the airfield was closed, with all inbound aircraft diverted.
The B-52, which typically operates with a crew of five, is one of 76 remaining in the Air Force inventory. The fleet is expected to remain in service for decades, with the Air Force pursuing modernization upgrades, including new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and upgraded avionics.
The crash occurred as the Air Force is working to modernize the B-52 fleet, with a planned fleetwide upgrade. In January, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to modify and test two B-52s with the new engines.
Rep. Vince Fong expressed his condolences, saying "please join me in praying for the B-52 crew at Edwards Air Force Base and the entire Edwards community." The base and Air Force Pentagon headquarters have declined to provide additional details, referring to the initial announcement of the crash.
Edwards Air Force Base confirmed the crash in a statement, saying "initial indications are that the crash was not survivable." Emergency response personnel immediately responded to the scene, and the airfield was closed, with all inbound aircraft diverted.
The B-52, which typically operates with a crew of five, is one of 76 remaining in the Air Force inventory. The fleet is expected to remain in service for decades, with the Air Force pursuing modernization upgrades, including new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and upgraded avionics.
The crash occurred as the Air Force is working to modernize the B-52 fleet, with a planned fleetwide upgrade. In January, the Air Force awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to modify and test two B-52s with the new engines.
Rep. Vince Fong expressed his condolences, saying "please join me in praying for the B-52 crew at Edwards Air Force Base and the entire Edwards community." The base and Air Force Pentagon headquarters have declined to provide additional details, referring to the initial announcement of the crash.
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