Aircraft went down shortly after takeoff in the Mojave Desert; emergency crews were dispatched and there is still no confirmation of casualties
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed on Monday morning at Edwards Air Force Base, in California’s Mojave Desert, shortly after taking off from the military airfield.
According to a statement released by the base itself, the crash was reported at around 11:20 a.m. local time. Emergency crews immediately responded to the incident, while a large column of smoke could be seen in the high desert region of Los Angeles County.
So far, military authorities have not said whether there were any injuries or fatalities. Edwards Air Force Base said the situation remains ongoing and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
The military installation is located about 160 kilometers north of Los Angeles and is known for its historic role in U.S. Air Force flight testing. The site is also associated with milestones in American aviation, including high-speed experimental flights carried out in the 20th century.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber that has been used for decades in different types of military missions. The aircraft is capable of flying at subsonic speeds and reaching altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, as well as carrying precision-guided conventional weapons and, in certain configurations, nuclear weapons.
The model became one of the symbols of U.S. military aviation and remains one of the country’s main bomber force platforms. The B-52 also played an important role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and remains in service after successive modernization programs.
The causes of the crash have not yet been disclosed. An investigation is expected to determine the circumstances of the accident, including takeoff conditions, the condition of the aircraft and any possible technical or operational failures.
🇺🇸 BREAKING:
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress has crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Casualties unknown at this time.
One of America’s most iconic strategic bombers down. Investigation underway.
Source: @TabzLIVE on Telegram / Writer:… pic.twitter.com/nJ7rFaLOt5
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 15, 2026
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Source and images: USAF | NBC Los Angeles. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
