Breaking: B-52 Stratofortress Bomber Crashed at Edwards AFB
Images posted online show a massive plume of black smoke rising from Edwards Air Force Base, before the base confirmed an ongoing B-52H Stratofortress mishap.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber has crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 15, 2026. The base confirmed the mishap on its social media channels after images appeared online showing a massive plume of black smoke rising from the location.
The status of the crew is currently unclear. The base said that the emergency crews are currently on scene.
Here is the full statement by the service:
“A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m. Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Images of the mishap, apparently captured from within the base, first appeared on the popular ‘Air Force amn/nco/snco’ page on Facebook. Although unconfirmed, the page claimed the aircraft involved is B-52 60-0061, the same aircraft currently used to test the new AESA radar.
The smoke was visible also at a distance, fueled by the bomber’s full tanks at takeoff. According to the service, the B-52H has a fuel capacity of 312,197 pounds (141,610 kilograms).
Something blew up in Edward’s AF base @airforce @Breaking911 pic.twitter.com/aU3olZHL4q
— Richh (@RichhdaRuler) June 15, 2026
This is a developing story, we will update the article as more details emerge.