US Air Force
United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress heavy bomber
Eight people, including two Boeing employees, died following the crash of a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.
In a statement released on social media, Edwards Air Force Base reported that the aircraft carrying eight people on board on a routine test mission, it crashed at 11:20 am (local time), moments after takeoff. The first indications point to the lack of survivors.
According to , the names of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities are awaiting notification of family members. Air operations at Edwards Base were temporarily suspended while the investigation into the causes of the accident takes place.
The flight was part of a modernization of the B-52, intended to adapt the aircraft to the digital era.
O Boeing B-52 Stratofortress entered service in 1955 and is normally operated by a crew of five elements. It is a long-range strategic bomber that plays a central role in the United States’ nuclear capabilities. Some versions of the aircraft can carry up to 32 cruise missiles nuclear.
Over the past few decades, the B-52 has been used in several conflicts, including operations in the Middle East and, more recently, missions related to Iran. no longer been produced since 1962successive modernization programs allowed the fleet to remain operational.
The US Air Force plans to continue using the B-52 until at least 2050.
Before this accident, the most recent fatal disaster involving a B-52 occurred in 2008, when six Air Force soldiers died after the aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean, off the island of Guam.
On Friday, officials at Fort Hood, Texas, had warned residents of the region to carry out a military exercise involving a B-52 and the launch of ammunition. Authorities stressed, however, that this type of training is carried out regularly.
