According to reports by The Washington Post and The Independent, a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber crashed in California on June 15 local time. There were 8 people on board, and it is estimated that no one survived.
Video footage shows that law enforcement officers are at the scene. KABC television station, under the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
According to reports, the crash occurred during a test flight of a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber. Air Force officials stated in a statement that the accident happened at 11:20 am local time on the 15th. Preliminary indications suggest that “no one survived” in this accident.
Several hours after the accident, Edwards Air Force Base stated in a press release that emergency responders were on the scene, and officials are working to verify the conditions of all individuals involved.
Earlier, the base posted on social media that Edwards Airport, where the crash occurred, was closed on the afternoon of the 15th local time.
According to analysis of radar tracking data by The Washington Post, the bomber flew in a northeast direction around 11:10 AM, then gradually turned more northward. Subsequently, it suddenly turned northwest and descended at a speed of over 5,000 feet per minute.
Video captured by local media shows smoke rising at the crash site, with the ground completely charred.
According to reports, the B-52 bomber is usually piloted by a crew of five members. The U.S. Air Force stated on its website: “For over 60 years, the B-52 has been the backbone of the U.S. strategic bomber force.”
Currently, there are still about 70 B-52 bombers in the active fleet of the US Air Force. Most of these aircraft are deployed at the Buxtead Air Force Base in Louisiana and the Manot Air Force Base in North Dakota. A few are also stationed at the Edwards Air Force Base for testing purposes. Edwards Air Force Base is a key facility for testing and developing new aircraft and weapons by the US Air Force.
