US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California

By Sophia Compton

Published June 15, 2026

Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, on Monday, officials said.

The aircraft went down on the Edwards airfield around 11:20 a.m., according to a statement from the base posted on X.

"A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on the Edwards airfield at 11:20 a.m," Edwards Air Force Base wrote on X. "Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available."

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, on Monday, officials said. (KTTV)

Photos from the scene showed a plume of smoke rising near the wreckage.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured.

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A spokesperson for Edwards Air Force Base and the Kern County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Story tips can be sent to sophia.compton@fox.com.

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