{"id":146517,"date":"2026-06-16T23:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T17:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=146517"},"modified":"2026-06-16T21:10:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T15:40:16","slug":"b-52h-stratofortress-crashes-moments-after-takeoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/16\/b-52h-stratofortress-crashes-moments-after-takeoff\/","title":{"rendered":"US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress Crashes Moments After Takeoff, Killing 8 People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CALIFORNIA-<\/strong> A Boeing B-52H Stratofortress bomber<\/a> crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 15, killing all eight people on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft was conducting a local test mission in support of the US Air Force’s<\/a> Radar Modernization Program when the accident occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crash has prompted multiple investigations as the Air Force works to determine the cause of one of the deadliest B-52 accidents in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"US
Photo: US Air Force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Deadly B-52 Test Flight Ends in Tragedy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The B-52H crashed at approximately 11:20 AM local time shortly after departing Edwards Air Force Base on a local test sortie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Air Force officials, the aircraft went down immediately after takeoff and burst into flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colonel James Hayes, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing, confirmed that all eight occupants aboard the bomber were killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy and we lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. He added that the accident was considered unsurvivable and extended condolences to the families of the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BREAKING: A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, triggering an emergency response.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage scattered across the desert airfield.

More details, including\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/JRx3R4ElJW<\/a><\/p>— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 15, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>