A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday during a routine test mission, with military officials saying the accident was not survivable.
The aircraft went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time after departing Edwards Air Force Base. Emergency crews responded immediately, while authorities suspended flight operations at the base as investigators secured the crash site.
According to the U.S. Air Force, eight people were on board the aircraft. Initial assessments indicate that all eight personnel died in the crash, although officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The B-52 was conducting a routine test mission related to a radar modernization programme. Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those aboard the aircraft and said it is providing support to the victims’ families.
Another B-52 just crashed right after takeoff at Edwards AFB
This is what endless war profiteering looks like, Boeing and the Pentagon flush billions into these aging death machines while our troops pay the price
Enough. Defund this corrupt machine now!pic.twitter.com/vLdYlk7uIk
— Kayla (@KaylaDavis2000) June 15, 2026
Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft moments before the crash and thick black smoke rising from the impact site. However, officials have not verified every video shared online, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
An influencer Kayla Davis shared one of the viral clips while criticizing military spending and describing the aging B-52 fleet as a product of “endless war profiteering.” The post generated widespread discussion across social media, although those comments reflect the influencer’s personal opinion rather than official findings.
Military investigators have launched a formal inquiry to determine what caused the crash. The Air Force has not announced any preliminary conclusions, and officials said additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
