The U.S. Air Force has identified the eight people killed in the June 15 B-52 bomber crash near Edwards Air Force Base, as investigators work to determine what went wrong on the high-stakes test flight.
“These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing, said in a statement released Wednesday, June 17.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy,” Tauer said.
The long-range B-52 Stratofortress went down shortly after takeoff during a test mission tied to a radar modernization program, base officials have said.
Edwards Air Force Base crash victims
The U.S. Air Force identified the following victims of the June 15 plane crash:
Loved ones remember B-52 crash victims
Former Air Force Officer and Flight Tester Michael Kelly said he worked “side by side” with Middleton for two years and asked the nation to pray for his family.
“He was the best of the best,” Kelly wrote in a post on social media the day after the crash. “He always had a quick wit and deep technical knowledge of the BUFF and flight test procedure.”
Kelly also shared a GoFundMe created to support Middleton’s wife and two children.
“The funds raised will help cover immediate expenses and bills, providing some relief as they adjust to this new reality,” Melissa Lynch, who started the fundraising page, wrote. “In addition to daily living costs, as a community we hope to raise funds for the children’s college, so they can look forward to a brighter future despite the heartbreak they are experiencing. Your support will help ease the financial burden and give Pam and her kids a sense of hope and security.”
Lauren Smith, the wife of Jeromy Smith, called her late husband a “leader” and a “hero” in an interview with KBAK.
“He died doing what he loved,” she said.
The couple has two children and celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary days before on June 11. “I hope that they look back one day and say their dad was a hero,” she said
What have officials said about the crash?
Col. James Hayes, a base deputy commander, told reporters at a news conference on the day of the crash that it was “deemed to be unsurvivable” and estimated that the investigation would take six months.
“We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said of the victims.
The crash was the first to take place at the base since May 18, 1992, when a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise crashed during landing, killing two crew members on board. Seven passengers also suffered serious injuries – according to military archives reviewed by USA TODAY.
How the B-52 crash investigation works
The Air Force is investigating what caused the June 15 B-52 crash near Edwards Air Force Base, a process officials say could take about six months. Most findings are expected to remain internal until a final report is released.
Investigators first secure the crash site and gather early evidence, including radar data, air traffic control communications, maintenance records and witness accounts. Specialists then analyze the wreckage and any recoverable flight data to look for mechanical issues, system failures or clues about the aircraft’s final moments.
The probe also reviews the crew’s training and the specifics of the radar test mission. The final report is expected to outline the cause of the crash, contributing factors and any safety recommendations.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: B-52 crash victims identified after Edwards AFB crash
Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, James Powel and Brian Day, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natalie Neysa Alund, James Powel and Brian Day, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
