It is a deeply tragic situation. On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, officials at Edwards Air Force Base officially released the identities of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52H Stratofortress crash that occurred shortly after takeoff on Monday, June 15.
The mixed crew—comprising active-duty airmen, a reservist, government civilians, and contractors—was acting as a Combined Test Force supporting the Air Force’s Radar Modernization Program.
The Crew Members Honored
- Col. Gregory Watson, 53 – Weapon Systems Officer (Boeing employee and Air Force Reservist from Shreveport, La.)
- Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40 – Weapon Systems Officer (Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5)
- Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50 – Pilot (Boeing contractor from Tehachapi, Calif.)
- Maj. Alexander Davis, 34 – Weapon Systems Officer (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Maj. Robert Dee, 40 – Pilot (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Maj. Brad Hovey, 35 – Pilot (419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Jeromy Smith, 32 – Flight Test Engineer (Civilian Department of Defense employee, 419th Flight Test Squadron)
- Christopher Rischar, 41 – Flight Test Engineer (Contractor with JT4 from Lancaster, Calif.)
Details of the Incident
The aircraft involved was a specialized B-52H (Tail number 60-0061, nicknamed the “Spirit of Aggieland”). It had recently been outfitted with a modernized, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system designed to help extend the operational lifespan of the B-52 fleet through 2050.
- The Crash: The bomber took off at approximately 11:20 a.m. PDT on Monday for a routine test mission. According to initial flight tracking data, the plane made a sharp turn and entered a rapid descent, crashing directly back onto the airfield property where it immediately caught fire. Military Times+ 1
- The Investigation: Emergency services responded immediately, but officials quickly determined the crash was unsurvivable. A formal Air Force Accident Investigation Board has been convened to determine the cause of the mechanical or flight control failure, a process that officials note could take up to six months.
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