An investigation was continuing Tuesday into the deaths of eight people after a B-52 bomber crashed and burned 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 on a routine test mission when it crashed shortly after takeoff at about 11:20 a.m. Monday.
Video from the location showed a large plume of smoke rising from the charred remains of the aircraft, which appeared to be completely destroyed.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, said the aircraft was conducting a local test sortie in support of a radar modernization program when it crashed immediately after takeoff.
“Our team of first responders snapped into action, and immediately cordoned off the area and took the appropriate action to start putting out the flames,” Hayes said.
Base officials established an emergency operations center and wing operations center to coordinate the response and recovery effort, according to Hayes.
“After reviewing the footage of the crash, it was deemed that this was an unrecoverable crash and unsurvivable,” Hayes said. “At that point, we went into the notification process.”
Chief Master Sgt. Joshua T. Skarloken said officials were in the process of notifying the victims’ families. He said those aboard the aircraft included military personnel, government civilians and government contractors.
At 12:48 p.m. Monday, base officials announced the airfield had been closed, with all inbound aircraft being diverted.
Although the base was later reopened, flight operations will remain suspended through Tuesday, Hayes said.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been a cornerstone of the Air Force’s bomber fleet since entering service in 1955. The long-range aircraft is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons and is generally operated by a crew of five.
The last crash at the base was in 1992, when two crew members were killed.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose 5th District includes the Antelope Valley and communities neighboring Edwards Air Force Base, said she had asked Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis to hold a moment of silence at Tuesday’s board meeting in honor of the victims.
“The loss of life in this tragic crash is heartbreaking,” Barger said in a statement.
“I am deeply grateful to the men and women who serve our nation and support critical military operations, and mourn alongside the Edwards Air Force Base community during this difficult time,” she added.