Images posted online show huge plumes of black smoke billowing ahead of a confirmed B-52H Stratofortress accident at Edwards Air Force Base.
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on June 15, 2026. The base confirmed the incident on its social media channels after images appeared online showing a large plume of black smoke billowing from the location.
The crew member’s condition is currently unclear. The base said rescue workers are currently on the scene.
Below is a full description of the service.
“A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Airfield at 11:20 a.m. Emergency crews responded to the scene immediately and the situation is ongoing. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Images of the incident, which appears to have been captured inside the base, first appeared on Facebook’s popular ‘Air Force amn/nco/snco’ page. Although not confirmed, the page claimed that the aircraft involved was B-52 60-0061, the same aircraft currently being used to test new AESA radars.
The smoke was visible from a distance as the bomber’s fuel tanks filled up upon takeoff. The B-52H has a fuel capacity of 312,197 pounds (141,610 kg), according to the service.
Something broke at Edward’s AF base @airforce @Breaking911 pic.twitter.com/aU3olZHL4q
— Rich (@RichhdaRuler) June 15, 2026
This is a developing story, so we will update the article as more details become available.
