B-52 crashes at Edwards, with eight aboard
WASHINGTON — A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed today after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base, and “initial indications” show the mishap was “not survivable” for eight people on board the aircraft, according to the Air Force.
“Emergency personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel,” Edwards Air Force Base said in a statement.
The incident occurred around 11:20 AM local time, and the bomber was conducting a “routine test mission,” the statement says. Edwards Air Force Base is located north of Los Angeles in the California desert.
The B-52 is a long-range, swept-wing bomber that entered service in the 1950s. The Air Force is upgrading the bomber’s engines, radar and other subsystems to extend its service life into the 2050s.
Edwards Air Force Base is a testing hub, where officials can evaluate upgrades and the integration of new weapons. The Air Force did not disclose the bomber’s mission prior to its crash.
UPDATED 6:09 PM ET to note eight crew members were aboard the aircraft, and that “initial indications” are that the crash was “not survivable.”
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base at 11:20 AM local time, resulting in eight personnel on board not surviving the incident. The bomber was conducting a routine test mission when the crash occurred, and emergency personnel are currently on site to account for all individuals involved.
- A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base.
- Eight personnel were aboard the aircraft, and initial indications suggest the crash was not survivable.
- The incident occurred during a routine test mission at approximately 11:20 AM local time.
- Emergency personnel are on scene to account for all personnel involved.
- The B-52 is undergoing upgrades to extend its service life.