In brief
A US Air Force B‑52 Stratofortress crashed on 16 June 2026 immediately after take‑off from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, killing eight people, including two Boeing employees. The crash produced a large plume of black smoke visible for miles. Early statements describe the incident as an unrecoverable and unsurvivable crash, and the base has grounded all incoming aircraft to focus on emergency response. Investigations will take up to 30 days, with a possible six‑month review. The event has prompted condolences from state officials and congressional representatives.
A US Air Force B‑52 Stratofortress crashed on 16 June 2026 immediately after take‑off from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, killing eight people on board, including two employees of Boeing.
The accident, which took place at 11:20 local time, saw the aircraft burst into flames on the runway, producing a large plume of black smoke visible for miles.
Chief of the base, Col James Hayes, called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and described the crew as a mixed group of military personnel, government civilians and contractors.
The base confirmed that the crash was “not survivable” and that the aircraft’s loss was deemed an unrecoverable crash; further investigations could take more than six months.
Two Boeing staff members were among those killed, and the aerospace company has been in contact with their families.
Governor Gavin Newsom offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Edwards community on a social‑media post.
All inbound aircraft have been diverted and non‑commercial visitor passes suspended while emergency operations continue.
