Investigation into deadly B-52 bomber crash could take months, US officials say

The investigation into a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crash that occurred during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, June 15, 2026, could take up to six months to conclude, according to officials. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which was carrying eight crew members, crashed in a fiery explosion in the Mojave Desert, approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The incident resulted in the deaths of all eight individuals on board. The base is a key facility for flight testing and development for the U.S. Air Force. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1955. Investigations into such incidents typically involve detailed analysis of flight data recorders, wreckage examination, and interviews with witnesses to determine the cause of the accident.