BREAKING NEWS: B‑52 Bomber Crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — June 15, 2026A U.S. Air Force B‑52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at 11:20 a.m. today on the Edwards AFB airfield, military officials confirmed. Emergency crews rushed to the scene within minutes, and the situation remains active and developing. ^{1 3}

Image from Citizen App

Base officials announced the crash in a statement posted to social media, confirming that the aircraft went down on the installation’s airfield just moments after lifting off. A large column of dark smoke was visible across parts of Kern and Los Angeles counties following the impact. ²

Crew Status Unknown

As of this hour, no information has been released regarding the number of crew members on board or their conditions. Officials have not yet disclosed whether any injuries or fatalities occurred. ²

Cause Under Investigation

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Edwards AFB emphasized that “more information will be provided as it becomes available” as investigators begin assessing the scene. ¹

About the Aircraft

The B‑52 Stratofortress, a long‑range heavy bomber introduced in the 1950s, remains a central component of U.S. air power and typically carries a crew of five. Edwards AFB is home to major Air Force and NASA flight‑test operations, making it a frequent site for developmental and operational test flights. ^{4 5}

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References (5)

¹ B-52 Stratofortress crashes near Edwards Air Force Base. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/b-52-stratofortress-crashes-near-192733736.html

² B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, officials say. https://ktla.com/news/california/b52-bomber-crash-edwards-air-force-base/

³ Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff in California. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/air-force-b-52-bomber-193003141.html

⁴ Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air .... https://abcnews.com/US/air-force-52-bomber-crashes-shortly-after-takeoff/story?id=133899844

⁵ B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashes at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern .... https://abc7.com/post/52-stratofortress-crashes-edwards-air-force-base-kern-county/19303576/