B-52 Stratofortress Crashes After Takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base

A B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert on June 15, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., according to the military base. Emergency crews responded to the scene, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Video footage showed black smoke rising from the area near the airfield. The base announced that the airfield was closed and all inbound aircraft were diverted. Edwards Air Force Base stated that more information would be provided when available. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range bomber typically operated by a crew of five and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. It has been a key component of the United States' bomber force for decades and was notably used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Edwards Air Force Base, covering 480 square miles, is utilized for the research, development, and testing of U.S. Air Force aircraft and systems.