Airfield Closed After B-52 Bomber Crashes During Takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time on June 15, 2026. In a statement, base officials confirmed that emergency responders were dispatched to the scene immediately. Following the incident, the base closed its airfield and began diverting all inbound flights. Officials described the situation as ongoing.

The B-52 Stratofortress, which typically carries a crew of five, is a long-range bomber built by Boeing. First introduced in the 1950s, the aircraft remains a central part of the U.S. military's air power and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons over long distances. It has been utilized in military operations ranging from the Vietnam War to the war in Iran.

Edwards Air Force Base is a facility where the Air Force and NASA regularly conduct test flights of new and developmental aircraft. No further details regarding the cause of the crash or the condition of those on board have been released by base officials.