U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress Bomber Crashes Shortly After Takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert on Monday morning. Emergency crews responded to the scene, with the status of the crew unclear as the situation remained ongoing.
What Happened
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards Air Force Base airfield at approximately 11:20 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2026. Edwards Air Force Base is in California's Mojave Desert, northeast of Los Angeles.
Emergency crews responded to the scene as a massive fire sent thick black smoke into the sky. Aerial footage shows a large smoldering burn mark on the land. The status of the crew is currently unclear.
About the B-52 Stratofortress
The B-52 Stratofortress -- which typically carries a crew of five -- is a long-range bomber first introduced in the 1950s that remains a central part of the U.S. military's air power. Built by Boeing, the aircraft is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons over long distances and has been used in conflicts ranging from Vietnam to operations in the Iran war.
Context and Ongoing Situation
The Air Force and NASA conduct test flights of new and developmental aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. The crash is the latest in string of military flight mishaps in recent weeks. Two Navy EA-18G Growlers collided midair during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base on May 17. On June 13, a Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet crashed near Mount Rainier during a training flight, with the pilot ejecting.
The base confirmed the mishap on its social media channels after images appeared online showing a massive plume of black smoke rising from the location. No further details about the cause of the crash or crew status have been released as investigations continue.