On June 15, a B-52 bomber reportedly crashed on the airfield at Edwards Air Force Base. (Photo credit: Air Force)
On Monday, June 15, at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, a U.S. Air Force B-52 reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff on the airfield at local 11:20 a.m., PST; or 2:20 p.m. EST.
Initially, there was no word on the condition of the crew, with Edwards Air Force Base simply stating that “emergency crews immediately responded to the scene,” noting that “the situation is ongoing.”
Further, the base noted that the plane is a B-52 Stratofortress.
At 3:48 EST, Edwards Air Force Base has closed its airfield.
Just after 6 p.m. EST, Edwards Air Force Base provided an update, issuing a news release informing the public of the likely tragic nature of the crash, describing it is as “not survivable.”
Noting that the B-52 Bomber was carrying eight people on a routine test mission, the base states that the crash is currently under investigation.
The caption on Facebook adds, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time.”
The identities of personnel aboard the crashed bomber have not yet been disclosed.
See the news release notifying the public of the “not survivable” nature of the crash, here:
Edwards Air Force Base is the largest airbase in the nation, and is hosted by the 412th Test Wing.
According to the Edwards Air Force Base website, “The 412 TW conducts developmental testing of all U.S. Air Force aircraft, weapons systems, software, and components prior to their operational acceptance and throughout their lifecycle.”
Further, it says that its mission “includes flight, airfield, and range operations; maintenance; engineering; simulation; testing; and analysis.”
Videos from two witness in the area shows smoke rising from the direction of Edwards Air Force Base:
New footage from near the scene shows heavy flames and thick black smoke rising after the reported B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. pic.twitter.com/wWBc6egvMZ
— Global OSINT (@GlobalOSINTHQ) June 15, 2026
BREAKING:
A B-52 Stratofortress has crashed in California.
It’s the first time a B-52 crashes since the 2008 Guam crash pic.twitter.com/Z07Yeqqxwa
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 15, 2026
See the full initial notice from Edwards Air Force Base, here:
Here’s the second statement from Edwards Air Force Base:
This is a developing story.
