06/18/2026
U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base.
All 8 people aboard died. The crew was a mix of military personnel, government civilians, and contractors on a test mission for the B-52’s radar modernization program.
RIP
• Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing
• Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer
• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing
• Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer
• Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot
• Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot
• Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer
• Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor