A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time.
The incident occurred at the sprawling military installation located in the Mojave Desert, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, straddling parts of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties.
Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, and officials confirmed that the situation remained ongoing as of Monday afternoon. The Air Force released a brief statement acknowledging the crash but did not provide immediate details on the number of crew members aboard or any casualties.
"A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield," the statement read. "Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing.
More information will be provided as it becomes available."
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic heavy bomber that has been in service since 1955. Capable of reaching altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, it can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance and is used for strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air, and maritime operations.
According to the Aviation Safety Network, the B-52 has been involved in 119 crashes since its introduction, including Monday's incident. The previous crash occurred at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on February 23, 2024.
Edwards Air Force Base, established in 1942 on the Muroc Dry Lake bed, has grown to more than 300,000 acres (470 square miles) and functions as a self-contained community with over 11,000 residents, approximately 20% military and 80% civilians. The base has been the site of many historic aviation achievements.
Authorities have not released further information about the crew or the cause of the crash, and the investigation is expected to follow standard Air Force protocols.