Eight killed in B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, including Iowa native

A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert on Monday, killing all eight people on board. The crew included Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, a pilot from Algona, Iowa, who graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in aerospace engineering. The Iowa governor expressed condolences, saying the loss underscores the sacrifice required of service members.

Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing, released the names of the victims and described them as dedicated professionals and valued members of the Air Force community. The other deceased were Col. (select) Gregory Watson, Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, Maj. Alexander Davis, Maj. Robert Dee, flight test engineer Jeromy Smith, and contractor Christopher Rischar.

Aerial footage showed the aircraft destroyed by fire, and officials said no one could have survived. The crash occurred during a routine test mission supporting a radar modernization program, and an investigation that could take up to six months has been launched. The B-52 fleet is undergoing upgrades to extend its service life alongside newer bombers.