BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Eight individuals were confirmed dead following a B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base during a routine test mission on Monday.
The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff at approximately 2:41 p.m. Authorities have identified the victims, including Air Force personnel and civilians, as follows:
- Colonel Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, from Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, based at Edwards AFB.
- Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, from Tehachapi, California.
- Major Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, from Lancaster, California.
- Major Robert Dee, 40, pilot, from Edwards AFB.
- Major Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, from Edwards AFB.
- Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, from Rosamond, California.
- Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, from Lancaster, California.
Colonel Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, expressed condolences, highlighting the victims' roles as dedicated professionals and valued members of the military community. Identification was made after notification to next of kin, complying with Department of War policy.
An Interim Safety Investigation Board has launched an investigation into the crash, and the airfield remains closed until further notice. Emergency response efforts included local medical aid and Air Force rescue teams to manage the aftermath.