Eight people were killed Monday after a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.
The crash happened around 11:20 a.m. local time during a routine test mission, according to military officials. The aircraft went down inside the base perimeter and burst into flames.
Col. James Hayes said the base had lost “eight great Americans,” describing those on board as a mix of military personnel, government civilians and contractors.
Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those on the aircraft. The company said it was in contact with their families and declined to comment further while the investigation continues.
Officials said the victims’ names will be released after next of kin are notified. The crash was described by the base as not survivable after officials reviewed initial footage.
The aircraft was supporting a radar modernization program at Edwards, one of the Air Force’s most important flight test centers. The base temporarily grounded operations after the crash.
Officials have not determined what caused the crash. Hayes said the first phase of the investigation could take up to 30 days, while deeper cause analysis could take more than six months.
The crash was contained within the base runway area. No civilian injuries were reported outside the installation.
The airfield was closed after the crash, and inbound aircraft were diverted. The base also suspended non-commercial visitor passes so emergency crews could focus on the response.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been used by the U.S. military since the 1950s. It is a long-range strategic bomber designed to carry conventional or nuclear weapons.
The aircraft can fly at high altitude and can be refueled in the air, giving it long-range strike capability. The Air Force has continued to modernize the bomber to extend its service life.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the crash a tragic incident and offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Edwards Air Force Base community.
Several members of Congress whose districts include or border the base also shared messages of grief. Rep. Vince Fong called the loss heartbreaking, while Rep. Jay Obernolte said he and his wife were praying for the crew, their families and first responders.
Edwards Air Force Base sits in the Mojave Desert, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. The base has played a major role in U.S. aviation testing for decades, making Monday’s crash a devastating moment for one of the country’s most storied military flight communities.