U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff

2026, June 15

USA

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on 15 June, killing all eight people on board. The aircraft was conducting a routine test flight in support of a radar modernization program when it went down in the Mojave Desert and burst into flames.

The victims included Air Force personnel, government civilians, contractors, and two employees of Boeing. Air Force officials described the crash as "unsurvivable."

According to the Air Force, the aircraft crashed moments after becoming airborne at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time. The impact caused a large fire, and operations at Edwards were suspended while emergency crews responded and investigators secured the site.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Preliminary findings could take weeks, while a full accident report may take months.

This is the first B-52 crash since 2016 and one of the deadliest involving the aircraft type in decades. The B-52, first introduced in the 1950s, remains a key part of the U.S. long-range bomber fleet and is undergoing modernization intended to keep it in service for many more years.