B-52 Stratofortress Crashes Shortly After Takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed on the airfield shortly after takeoff Monday morning, triggering a major emergency response with visible flames and thick black smoke.

The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. local time at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. Base officials confirmed the aircraft went down on the Edwards airfield, with emergency crews responding immediately.

“A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m. Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing,” Edwards AFB stated.

Video footage from the scene shows the burning wreckage, scattered debris across the runway, and fire trucks actively responding. The airfield has been closed as a result of the crash.No information has been released regarding the number of crew members on board or any casualties. A standard B-52 crew consists of five personnel. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Edwards Air Force Base, located approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles, is a key flight test center for the U.S. Air Force.