A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed during takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday. The aircraft burst into flames, killing all eight crew members aboard. Moreover, officials confirmed the bomber was conducting a routine test mission.
The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft left the runway. A massive plume of black smoke rose above the crash site. Consequently, emergency teams responded immediately to the incident.
Investigation Begins as Air Force Grounds Base Operations
Air Force Colonel James Hayes said the crew included military personnel, government civilians, and contractors. Boeing also confirmed that two of its employees died in the crash. However, authorities withheld the victims’ identities until families receive official notification.
The bomber supported a radar modernization program before the accident occurred. Officials have not determined the cause of the crash. Therefore, investigators have launched a full investigation into the incident.
Hayes described the crash as unsurvivable because of its severity. Furthermore, officials suspended all flight operations at Edwards Air Force Base through at least Tuesday. The runway also suffered damage during the accident.
B-52 Fleet Faces First Crash Since 2016
The B-52 Stratofortress remains the backbone of the US Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet. The aircraft carries both conventional and nuclear weapons over long distances. Additionally, it can transport up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and supplies.
Monday’s accident marked the first B-52 crash since a 2016 incident in Guam. All seven crew members survived that previous crash. The aircraft involved in Monday’s accident belonged to the 412th Test Wing based at Edwards Air Force Base.
Authorities will continue examining the wreckage to determine the exact cause. Meanwhile, Air Force officials have not announced when normal flight operations will resume.
