16.06.2026 08:20
All 8 crew members aboard the B-52 bomber that crashed in the U.S. state of California have been officially confirmed dead. The U.S. Air Force stated that the aircraft was conducting a test flight as part of a radar modernization program, while announcing that the cause of the accident has not yet been determined and the investigation could take up to six months.
New details have emerged about the crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber shortly after it took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California. Officials confirmed that all 8 crew members on board lost their lives.
"WE LOST 8 GREAT AMERICANS"
Speaking at a press conference, Lieutenant Colonel James Hayes, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing, confirmed the deaths of all those killed in the accident, stating, "We lost 8 great Americans. Our prayers and best wishes are with the families of those who lost their loved ones."
Hayes noted that the deceased were a mixed team of uniformed service members, civilian government employees, and contracted civilian personnel. Their identities have not been released as official notification to their families has not yet been completed.
ON A TEST MISSION
Officials announced that the B-52 bomber that crashed had taken off for a test mission under the "Radar Modernization Program."
INVESTIGATION MAY TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS
Hayes, stating that the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, said a comprehensive investigation into the incident is ongoing and could take up to 6 months to complete.