A B-52 bomber crashed and burned today at Edwards Air Force Base, the sprawling high desert military facility that straddles Kern, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.
The Air Force said the B-52 Stratofortress was carrying eight people on a routine test mission when it crashed shortly after takeoff at about 11:20 a.m., according to Edwards Air Force Base.
“Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” according to a statement released by Edwards Air Force Base. “Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel.”
Video from the location showed a large plume of smoke rising from the charred remains of the aircraft, which appeared to be completely destroyed.
At 12:48 p.m. Monday, base officials announced the airfield had been closed, with all inbound aircraft being diverted.
“All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations,” according to the update.
The last crash at the base was in 1992, when two crew members were killed.
The Air Force said the B-52 Stratofortress was carrying eight people on a routine test mission when it crashed shortly after takeoff at about 11:20 a.m., according to Edwards Air Force Base.
“Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” according to a statement released by Edwards Air Force Base. “Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel.”
Video from the location showed a large plume of smoke rising from the charred remains of the aircraft, which appeared to be completely destroyed.
At 12:48 p.m. Monday, base officials announced the airfield had been closed, with all inbound aircraft being diverted.
“All non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations,” according to the update.
The last crash at the base was in 1992, when two crew members were killed.
Godspeed to all lost and 🙏🙏🙏 to their families and friends.