B-52 Bomber Crash Reported at Edwards Air Force Base
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA — A B-52 bomber crash resulted in at least eight crew members believed dead on Monday morning shortly after takeoff, officials confirmed.
The B-52 Stratofortress took off at 11:20 a.m. local time during a routine test mission. Initial assessments indicate the crash was “not survivable,” according to the base.
Emergency crews swiftly responded, managing an intense black plume rising from the crash site as they worked to account for all personnel. A press conference is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. local time.
The runway has been marked by a significant blackened area and residual smoke. Authorities reported that the airfield is closed, inbound aircraft are being diverted, and all non-commercial visitor passes are suspended until further notice.
The B-52, one of the Air Force's oldest aircraft, first entered service in 1955 and typically carries a crew of five. The B-52H version can deliver up to 70,000 pounds of munitions and has played a critical role in various operations, including recent conflicts.
Prior to Monday's incident, the last fatal B-52 accident occurred in 2008, resulting in the loss of six personnel when a bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft is no longer in production, with any replacements sourced from dismantled airframes at the “Boneyard” in Arizona.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.