Daijiworld Media Network – California
California, Jun 16: Eight people are feared dead after a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, with officials indicating that the accident was unlikely to have any survivors.
The aircraft went down at around 11.20 am local time during what the base described as a routine test mission. Witnesses reported seeing a massive plume of black smoke rising from the crash site, visible across large parts of the Mojave Desert.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene as thick smoke billowed from the wreckage scattered across the desert airfield.
In a statement, the air base confirmed that eight people were on board the aircraft.
“Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” the statement said, adding that emergency personnel were working to account for all those on board.
Following the incident, the airfield was closed and all inbound aircraft were diverted. Authorities also suspended non-commercial visitor passes to the base to allow emergency operations to proceed without disruption.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The test flight carried eight personnel, more than the bomber’s standard operational crew of five, which typically includes an aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, first introduced into service in 1955, remains a key component of US military air power. The long-range bomber is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons and has been deployed in conflicts ranging from the Vietnam War to Operation Desert Storm.
Located about 160 kilometres north of Los Angeles, Edwards Air Force Base serves as one of the primary centres for aircraft testing and development in the United States. The 412th Test Wing oversees developmental testing of Air Force aircraft, weapons systems, software and components at the facility.
Reacting to the tragedy, Jay Obernolte, whose congressional district includes the base, said he was praying for those affected by the crash.
“I am praying for everyone involved in today’s crash, especially the crew, their families and the first responders,” he said.