Eight Dead, Including Two Boeing Employees, in B-52 Bomber Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
Seattle Today Newsroom
June 17, 2026
Picture Credit: Tom Photography
Eight people are dead, including two Boeing employees, after a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California on Monday during what officials described as a routine test mission.
Edwards Air Force Base confirmed eight people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. All occupants are presumed dead, with the base stating in a release that “initial indications are that the crash was not survivable.” The cause of the crash remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. None of those killed have yet been publicly identified, and officials are expected to release further details as the inquiry continues.
Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were among those on board. The company issued a statement expressing condolences to the families affected. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.”
Boeing has deep historical ties to the B-52 program, having played a central role in the aircraft’s design and ongoing support since its introduction decades ago. The company continues to be involved in maintaining and modernizing the B-52 fleet for the US Air Force.
