EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff Monday at Edwards Air Force Base, with all eight people aboard presumed dead, according to Air Force officials.
The aircraft went down at approximately 11:20 a.m. PDT during what Edwards described as a routine test mission. Initial indications were that the crash was not survivable, the base said in a statement. Emergency personnel responded immediately and launched recovery operations while officials worked to account for all personnel aboard.
During a media briefing later Monday, Air Force officials said the aircraft was supporting a radar modernization program. The crew included military personnel, government civilians and government contractors. Boeing said two of its employees were among those aboard the aircraft.
The crash occurred on the Edwards airfield in California’s Mojave Desert, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Images from the scene showed a large plume of black smoke rising from the crash site.
Edwards Air Force Base temporarily suspended flight operations and diverted inbound aircraft following the accident. Visitor access also was restricted as the installation focused on emergency response and recovery efforts.
The B-52 Stratofortress, manufactured by Boeing, remains a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s long-range bomber fleet. The aircraft involved in the accident was assigned to the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, which conducts developmental flight testing and evaluation of military aircraft and systems.
Officials said the cause of the crash has not been determined. An investigation is underway.
The identities of those aboard have not been released pending notification of next of kin.