Eight people are feared dead after a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff Monday morning at Edwards Air Force Base in California, according to the U.S. Air Force.
The aircraft went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time during what officials described as a routine test mission. “An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m. (PDT),” Edwards Air Force Base said in a statement. “Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable.”
Emergency response crews remain on scene as officials work to account for all personnel aboard the aircraft. The crash is currently under investigation.
The B-52 crashed shortly after departing Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert, roughly 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Following the incident, the airfield was closed and inbound aircraft were diverted.
Aftermath of U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base. https://t.co/eSljMYUSal pic.twitter.com/l5O3sc5vjs
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 15, 2026
New footage from near the scene shows heavy flames and thick black smoke rising after the reported B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. pic.twitter.com/QoOzdnQgq5
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 15, 2026
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is one of the most recognizable aircraft in the U.S. military and has been in service since the 1950s. The long-range heavy bomber remains a key component of America’s strategic deterrent and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Earlier in the day, Edwards Air Force Base suspended all non-commercial visitor passes and said the installation was focused entirely on emergency response efforts.
Military officials are expected to provide additional details during a press conference scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PDT.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
