B-52 Crash at Edwards Air Force Base Kills All Eight Onboard
A B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff Monday at Edwards Air Force Base, California, killing all eight people aboard. The aircraft was on a routine test mission for a radar modernization program.
The crash occurred around 11:20 a.m. The Defense Department and Edwards Air Force Base have not yet released the names of the deceased. Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among the dead.
Crash Investigation Underway
An initial fact-gathering period can take up to 30 days, followed by a formal accident investigation board review. Officials noted that information released to families and the public may take up to six months.
A Victim's Family Speaks Out
Lauren Smith identified her husband, Jeromy Smith, as one of the deceased. He was a civilian flight test engineer for the Defense Department at Edwards Air Force Base for 10 years. The couple has two children: Fletcher (2) and Fallon (4 months).
Lauren Smith reported that the flight was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed multiple times. She stated she did not believe the plane was ready to take off. She learned of the crash via social media; officials informed her at her home at 6 p.m. Monday. She noted that Jeromy Smith had received the Aerial Achievement Medal for flying medium- to high-risk sorties.