A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after taking off from a base near Los Angeles, California, on June 15, 2026. The United States Air Force confirmed that a B-52 Stratofortress went down at 11:20 a.m. local time shortly after departing the runway at Edwards Air Force Base.
Emergency Response Underway
In a Facebook statement, the base said: 'A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11.20am. Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing.' It remains unclear whether there are any injuries or fatalities.
The crash left a towering black plume of smoke visible across the Mojave Desert, northeast of Los Angeles. Local news footage shows a large blackened scar on the runway, but no wreckage parts are immediately visible.
Airfield Closed and Diversions in Place
The airfield is currently closed, inbound aircraft are being diverted, and all non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice as the base focuses on its emergency response, according to officials.
About the B-52 Stratofortress
The B-52 is one of the Air Force's oldest aircraft, having been associated with the Cold War since the 1950s. Today, the long-range heavy bomber typically carries a crew of five and can hold up to 70,000 pounds of bombs. The B-52H variant, which has nuclear capabilities, has been used in bombing missions over Iran.
