U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft flies over North Macedonia’s capital Skopje, on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircrafts assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron currently operating out of RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, conducted low … U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft … more >

B-52 bomber crashes at Edwards Air Force Base in California

by · The Washington Times

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed late Monday morning shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert, officials said.

In a brief statement, officials at the air base said emergency crews responded to the scene and said the situation was “ongoing.”

Officials didn’t say whether any of the crew were injured or killed in the crash.

“More information will be provided as it becomes available,” base officials said on X.

The B-52 is a long-range, eight-engine strategic heavy bomber designed during the Cold War to carry nuclear weapons for deep-penetration missions. Over the years, it evolved into a highly versatile conventional bomber famous for its massive payload capacity and longevity.

The crash of an Air Force plane is typically handled internally by the military rather than through civilian agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board. A military Safety Investigation Board will focus on mishap prevention by figuring out what went wrong so it isn’t repeated. After that, the Accident Investigation Board will determine legal accountability and public disclosure.

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Mike Glenn

mglenn@washingtontimes.com

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