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Air Force identifies all 8 victims of B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- Eight people died in the crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California, including military personnel, government civilians, and contractors.
- The victims have been identified, including Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, Maj. Alexander Davis, Maj. Robert Dee, Maj. Brad Hovey, Jeromy Smith, Christopher Rischar, Lt. Col. Miles Middleton (Ret.), and Col. Gregory Watson.
- The bomber was conducting a routine test mission as part of a modernization program for the B-52 fleet, which includes upgrades to radar, avionics, and engines to extend its operational life into the 2050s.
- The Air Force has paused flight test operations at Edwards Air Force Base and is investigating potential causes such as engine failure, controllability issues, and maintenance records, especially after reports of issues days before the crash.
- The investigation is expected to take up to six months to complete, with a focus on the aircraft’s takeoff and any mechanical problems leading to the accident.
