WASHINGTON — A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed today after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California, and “initial indications” show the mishap was “not survivable” for eight people on board the aircraft, according to military authorities.
“Emergency personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel,” Edwards Air Force Base said in a statement.
The incident occurred around 11:20 AM local time during a “routine test mission,” the statement said. Edwards Air Force Base is located in the desert north of Los Angeles.
The B-52 is a long-range, swept-wing bomber that entered service in the 1950s. The Air Force is upgrading the bomber’s engines, radar and other subsystems to extend its service life into the 2050s.
Edwards Air Force Base is a testing hub, where officials can evaluate upgrades and the integration of new weapons. The Air Force did not disclose the bomber’s mission prior to its crash.
UPDATED 6:09 PM ET to note eight crew members were aboard the aircraft, and the Air Force’s initial assessment that the crash did not appear survivable.
