LOS ANGELES (TNND) — Military officials are investigating a B-52 bomber crash shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals onboard.
The aircraft reportedly made a sharp right turn and descended at a rate exceeding 5,000 feet per minute before crashing, according to flight-tracking data. Authorities stated the nature of the descent and the lack of significant altitude suggests potential flight-control issues.
Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing, confirmed that no survivors emerged from the incident. The eight victims included government contractors and military personnel, with Boeing confirming that two of its employees were aboard. The company expressed condolences in a statement and is in contact with the victims’ families.
Emergency crews continue to secure the crash site, which remains closed as investigators assess the situation, a process expected to last up to six months. The B-52 was supporting a radar modernization program during a routine test mission at the time of the crash.
Videos from the site showed black smoke rising as the airfield was temporarily closed to all inbound aircraft. The B-52, a key element of the Air Force’s long-range capabilities, is undergoing significant modernization efforts aimed at extending its operational lifespan through 2050.
Witnesses reported that fires flared at the crash site overnight, exacerbating recovery efforts. The 412th Test Wing is responsible for operational testing of Air Force aircraft and systems.
Edwards AFB, located approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles, is known for significant aviation milestones, including Chuck Yeager’s historic sound barrier breaking in 1947.