Eight Dead After US B-52 Bomber Crashes in California
A U.S. Air Force B‑52 Stratofortress promptly crashed after take‑off from Edwards Air Force Base, killing eight crew members, including two Boeing employees, on Monday at 11:20 a.m. local time (19:20 GMT).
The aircraft was on a routine test mission. The moment of lift‑off, the bomber exploded, sending a plume of black smoke that was visible for miles. Col James Hayes, the battery commander, called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and described the crew as a “mixed crew of military, government civilians and government contractors.”
"Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a terrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans," said Col James Hayes.
The base’s earlier statement indicated the crash was “not survivable,” and operations have been temporarily grounded. All inbound aircraft were diverted, and non‑commercial visitor passes have been suspended “until further notice.”
Investigations will take up to 30 days to determine the cause, with a more extensive analysis potentially extending beyond six months, Hayes said. No definite cause has yet been identified.
Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were aboard and the company was contacting their families. The aerospace firm declined to provide further details when asked by the BBC.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the crash a “tragic incident” and offered condolences on X, while several members of Congress posted their support on social media.
The B‑52 Stratofortress, nicknamed “Buff” for “Big Ugly Fat,” first entered service in the 1950s and serves as a long‑range strategic bomber capable of carrying a 70,000‑lb payload, including conventional bombs and nuclear cruise missiles. It can fly up to 50,000 feet and refuel mid‑flight, giving it a virtually unlimited strike range. The aircraft typically carries a five‑person crew: commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.
Edwards Air Force Base sits about 100 miles (160 km) north of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert.
