B-52 crashes near Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert
A U.S. Air Force B-52 crashes after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base. The status of the crew is unknown and the base is closed to visitor traffic.
Authorities are investigating the “non-survivable” crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress plane in Southern California on June 15, which killed eight people.
The crash occurred shortly after the B-52 bomber took off from Edwards Air Force Base around 11:20 a.m. local time, officials said.
“We lost eight great Americans. This crash is considered non-survivable,” said Col. James Hayes.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash and said the investigation could take months to reach a final conclusion. The victim has not yet been officially identified.
Here’s what we know about the study.
What happened in the B-52 bomber crash?
The plane that crashed was a B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range heavy bomber capable of reaching subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet.
Hayes said the plane was on a test flight in support of a radar modernization program but “crashed and burst into flames” shortly after takeoff.
Hayes said “our first response team took immediate action” to extinguish the blaze.
Footage of the aftermath of the crash showed extensive charred areas, scattered debris and smoke billowing from the wreckage. Hayes said the crash was “fully contained” on the base’s runway.
Authorities had not released the cause of the crash as of June 16. The cause is under investigation and authorities “don’t have any indication” of the cause, Hayes said.
Edwards Air Force Base spans parts of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. It is approximately 160 miles north of the city of Los Angeles.
Who were the victims of the B-52 bomber crash?
Officials have not identified the victims of the bomber crash, but said they were a mix of military personnel and civilian contractors. Hayes said the family was notified on June 15.
“This was a mixed crew,” Hayes said.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed in a statement that two of the victims were employees and said it was in touch with their families to offer assistance.
“We mourn this loss and honor the service of the Airmen, civilians, and contractors who work every day to advance our mission. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
