Eight Killed in B-52 Stratofortress Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA – Eight people died when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff during a test mission on June 15, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m.
The aircraft was conducting a routine test mission at the remote site, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. The victims include military personnel, government civilians, and contractors.
The deceased have been identified as follows:
- Col. (Select) Gregory Watson, 53, Shreveport, LA (Air Force Reservist)
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, Edwards AFB
- Miles Middleton, 50, Tehachapi, CA (Boeing employee)
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, Lancaster, CA
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40, Edwards AFB
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, Edwards AFB
- Jeromy Smith, 32, Rosamond, CA (Civilian flight test engineer)
- Christopher Rischar, 41, Lancaster, CA (JT4 contractor)
Authorities reported black smoke rising from the crash site. The airfield was temporarily closed and all inbound flights were diverted. Investigation details are still pending, and determining the cause may take months.
Col. James Hayes of the 412th Test Wing expressed deep sorrow over the loss of “eight great Americans.” The Boeing Company confirmed that two of its employees were among the victims.
The B-52 Stratofortress, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, is a key asset in the U.S. Air Force's capabilities and has been in service for decades.