A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, killing eight people, including two employees of aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
“We have faced a terrible tragedy. We have lost eight great Americans,” Colonel James Hayes of Edwards Air Force Base said at a news briefing. He said the dead included military members, government civilians and contractors.
The accident occurred at 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday while participating in a routine test mission. The aircraft was assisting with the base’s radar modernization program. It crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff.
A huge plume of thick black smoke rose into the sky from the scene, visible from afar. Authorities said the accident was entirely confined to the airport’s runway.
Edwards Air Force Base, located in the Mojave Desert, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, was closed as a precautionary measure and all incoming flights were diverted to alternate destinations. Non-commercial visitors were also temporarily suspended.
Initial assessments by base authorities indicate that the accident was so horrific that there was no chance of survival. The relatives of the deceased are being contacted and their identities will be released once they are officially notified.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The US Air Force said it could take about 30 days to complete the initial investigation, while a detailed investigation and cause determination could take more than six months.
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber has been in service with the US military since the 1950s. Known as the ‘BUFF’, this long-range strategic aircraft is capable of flying at an altitude of about 50,000 feet and can carry about 70,000 pounds (32,000 kg) of weapons.
The aircraft is capable of carrying hundreds of conventional bombs as well as up to 32 nuclear cruise missiles. Its operational range is virtually unlimited due to the facility for mid-air refueling. A B-52 is typically manned by a crew of five.
Source: BBC Bangla