US B-52 Bomber Crashes in California, Killing 8
Theo Al Jazeera Staff
A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people on board. The aircraft caught fire on impact, and officials confirmed no survivors. The cause of the crash is under investigation, which may take up to six months.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 long-range bomber crashed in California on Monday, killing all eight people on board, officials confirmed during a press briefing.
The Boeing-built aircraft hit the ground at Edwards Air Force Base around 11:20 a.m. local time shortly after takeoff from the base in the Mojave Desert, southern California.
Casualties
Colonel James Hayes, Vice Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said: “We lost eight great Americans.” He added that officials were working to notify the victims' families.
The U.S. military said the eight victims included service members and government contractors. Boeing confirmed two of its employees were on board. The crew was conducting a routine test mission when the crash occurred.
Crash Details
Military officials said the aircraft caught fire on impact. Colonel Hayes revealed that after reviewing footage of the accident, the military concluded there were no survivors. Aerial video showed the crash site with black smoke rising from a charred desert area near the runway. Little remained of the aircraft. Firefighters extinguished the blaze while other emergency vehicles stood by.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called it “a tragic incident” and expressed condolences to the victims, their families, and the entire Edwards Air Force Base community. The base announced the airfield was closed and incoming aircraft were being diverted.
Cause and Investigation
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Colonel Hayes said the investigation could take up to six months. He revealed that the B-52 belonged to a support flight for a “radar modernization program.”
About the B-52
The B-52, also known as the BUFF (Big, Ugly, Fat Fella), is one of the longest-serving bombers in the U.S. Air Force, in operation since 1955. It is renowned for its low maintenance and high performance, capable of flying approximately 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) without refueling.
The U.S. military has deployed the aircraft in numerous conflicts, from the Vietnam War to other campaigns. The B-52 was originally built to carry nuclear weapons for Cold War deterrence missions. As of 2024, about 76 aircraft remain operational. The bomber can launch nuclear missiles, travel at high subsonic speeds, and carry up to 32,000 kilograms (70,550 pounds) of weaponry.
Radar Upgrades
The B-52 has undergone several upgrades. Currently, the B-52J upgrade is underway, featuring new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and an electronic scanning array radar built by Raytheon Technologies. This radar system is more powerful than the mechanical radar from the 1960s. It is unclear whether these upgrades were related to the crash.
