EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Edwards AFB on Tuesday released the names of eight people killed when a B-52 crashed during a Monday test flight.
According to the 412th Test Wing, the B-52 Stratofortress went down shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission. Base emergency crews responded and secured the scene, officials said.
Authorities said the names were released after next-of-kin notifications and a 24-hour waiting period.
The victims were identified as Col. Gregory Watson, 53; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40; retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50; Maj. Alexander Davis, 34; Maj. Robert Dee, 40; Maj. Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32; and Christopher Rischar, 41.
Affiliations included the 419th Flight Test Squadron, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Boeing, and contractor JT4, officials said.
Officials said the airfield remains closed until further notice. An Interim Safety Investigation Board is leading the investigation.