Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 17
Families Identify 2 Victims in B-52 Crash That Killed 8 at Edwards Base
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 17

Families Identify 2 Victims in B-52 Crash That Killed 8 at Edwards Base

3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 17

Summary

  • Lt. Col. Miles Middleton and Jeromy Smith were identified among the eight people killed when a B-52 crashed Monday shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base.
  • Smith was a Department of Defense civilian flight-test engineer, while Boeing said two of its employees were also aboard the routine test mission.
  • Tracking data showed the bomber made a sharp right turn, nearly completed a 180-degree turn and then hit the ground at about 60 mph.
  • Edwards officials have not released all names as next-of-kin notifications continue, and said the cause investigation could take up to six months.

Insights

What caused the B-52's fatal plunge: the 70-year-old bomber or its new experimental radar system?
With readiness rates plummeting, will this crash force the Air Force to accelerate the B-52's retirement?