Six Airmen Confirmed Dead in Aircraft Crash in Western Iraq
March 12, 2026 — Six U.S. Air Force airmen died Thursday in a crash involving a KC-135 Stratotanker in western Iraq.
The victims include Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, from Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, from Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, from Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, from Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, from Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, from Columbus, Ohio.
According to the U.S. military, the crash was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.” An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
Additional details regarding the timeline of response and recovery efforts are expected as the situation develops.