(AP/CNN/Reuters) — Eight crew members are believed to have died after a U.S. Air Force B 52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff Monday morning at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert, officials said.
The aircraft went down around 11:20 a.m. during what officials described as a routine test mission. Early assessments indicate the crash was not survivable, the base said, as emergency teams rushed to the scene and began efforts to account for all personnel.
Thick black smoke rose from the crash site near the runway, where aerial footage showed a wide stretch of scorched desert and little visible wreckage. Fire crews and military responders remained on site hours later as operations continued.
A B 52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, with eight crew members feared dead. The aircraft was on a test flight when it went down, triggering a large fire and prompting an ongoing investigation.
What we know so far
Officials said the bomber departed from the airfield before crashing within the base perimeter. The impact left a charred area roughly the size of a football field, with debris largely unrecognizable.
The airfield was shut down following the crash, with incoming flights diverted and access to the installation restricted to allow emergency crews to focus on response operations.
The aircraft involved was a B 52 Stratofortress, a long range heavy bomber that has been in service since 1955. The current B 52H variant remains a key component of the Air Force’s fleet and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.
CNN reported that the mission was a test flight, while Reuters described the aircraft as an eight engine bomber used for strategic operations. The Associated Press confirmed that all personnel on board are believed to have been killed, though identification efforts are still underway.
What authorities are saying
Base officials said emergency crews responded immediately and that a news briefing was scheduled later in the day. The Air Force has not released details about the crew or whether the aircraft was carrying any weapons.
Military authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Pentagon and Air Force have not provided additional comment beyond initial statements from the base.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator with federal agencies, said the circumstances suggest a possible loss of control shortly after takeoff. He noted that potential causes could include engine failure, flight control issues or problems linked to test equipment.
Why this matters
The crash raises fresh concerns about the risks associated with flight testing, particularly for aging aircraft that continue to operate under modernization programs. The B 52, while heavily upgraded over decades, remains one of the oldest active aircraft in the U.S. military.
Its continued use reflects both its strategic value and the challenges of replacing long range bomber capabilities. The aircraft has played a role in conflicts from Vietnam to more recent operations involving tensions with Iran.
Testing new systems on legacy platforms can introduce additional risk factors, especially during takeoff when aircraft are most vulnerable. Incidents like this often lead to broader safety reviews and operational changes.
What happens next
Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records and communications to determine what caused the crash. Officials may also review recent upgrades or testing equipment installed on the aircraft.
Recovery efforts at the crash site are ongoing, and identification of the crew is expected to follow in the coming days.
The Air Force could temporarily adjust testing operations while the investigation proceeds, particularly involving similar aircraft or mission profiles.
