Eight people aboard a B-52 Stratofortress bomber are feared dead after the aircraft crashed during takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The incident occurred on June 15, 2026, and was captured on video by a KCBS news helicopter.
Crash Details
The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range strategic bomber, went down while attempting to take off from the base. Emergency crews responded immediately, but initial reports indicate no survivors among the eight crew members. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the U.S. Air Force.
Video Evidence
Video footage from a local news helicopter shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before crashing and erupting in flames. The footage has been widely circulated, highlighting the severity of the accident.
Edwards Air Force Base has a long history of testing experimental aircraft and is home to the Air Force Test Center. The B-52 has been a mainstay of the U.S. bomber fleet since the 1950s, though this incident raises questions about the safety of aging aircraft.
Condolences and Support
Officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The base has not released the names of those aboard pending notification of next of kin. An investigation team has been deployed to determine the cause of the crash.
