Iowa Native Among Eight Killed in B-52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
LOS ANGELES — An Iowa native was among the eight fatalities in a B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 17, 2026.
Major Brad Hovey, 35, originally from Algona, was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff at approximately 11:20 a.m. during a routine test mission.
Hovey, a 2009 graduate of Adel De Soto High School and 2014 Iowa State University aerospace engineering alumnus, was confirmed as a victim by Air Force officials in a news release Wednesday.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed condolences for Hovey and the other victims, emphasizing the sacrifices made by those serving in the military.
The other victims included:
- Col. (select) Gregory Watson, 53, of Shreveport, LA, a weapon systems officer with Boeing
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, of Edwards AFB, CA, a weapon systems officer with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, of Tehachapi, CA, a pilot with Boeing
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, of Lancaster, CA, a weapon systems officer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, of Edwards AFB, CA, a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron
- Jeromy Smith, 32, of Rosamond, CA, a flight test engineer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron
- Christopher Rischar, 41, of Lancaster, CA, a flight test engineer with JT4 contractor
Military officials reported that the bomber burst into flames upon crashing, leaving little wreckage. After reviewing footage, authorities stated there were no survivors.
An investigation into the incident has begun, with findings expected in up to six months. The B-52 was part of a radar modernization program at the time of the crash, according to Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing.