US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress Bomber Crashes During Test Mission In California, 8 Killed

A routine US Air Force test mission turned tragic after a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California's Mojave Desert on Monday, killing all eight people on board.

According to reports, the aircraft took off at around 11:20 a.m. local time as part of a test flight supporting a radar modernisation programme. Moments later, it crashed near the remote military installation northeast of Los Angeles.

Edwards Air Force Base confirmed that all eight crew members are presumed dead and that the operation has shifted from rescue efforts to recovery operations.

"It was tragic and unsurvivable," Colonel James Hayes said during a press conference.

Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the crash. Officials said the aircraft left behind a towering plume of black smoke, while aerial footage showed a large charred area near the runway and extensive fire damage. The airfield was temporarily shut down, with inbound aircraft diverted as emergency teams secured the site.

Chief Master Sergeant Joshua T. Skarloken said authorities are in the process of notifying the families of those killed. The crew reportedly included military personnel, government civilians and government contractors.

Air Force officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Although the base has since reopened, flight operations remain suspended as authorities continue debris recovery and examine evidence from the crash site.

The B-52 Stratofortress, first introduced in 1955, is one of the oldest aircraft still in active service with the US Air Force and remains a key component of America's long-range strategic bomber fleet.