A United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in California on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of all eight crew members on board, officials confirmed.
Crash Details
The aircraft went down near the town of Oroville in Butte County, approximately 70 miles north of Sacramento. The bomber was assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota but was conducting a training mission from Beale Air Force Base in California.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews responded to the scene, but there were no survivors. The crash sparked a wildfire in the area, which firefighters managed to contain. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site for investigation.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash is not yet known. The Air Force has launched a full investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also assisting. The B-52 is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber that has been in service since the 1950s.
Statements from Officials
General Timothy Ray, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, expressed condolences, stating, "This is a tragic loss for the Air Force and the nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the fallen airmen."
Background
The B-52 has been a cornerstone of the US strategic bomber force for decades. The aircraft involved in the crash was part of a routine training sortie. Such missions are common to maintain crew proficiency.
The last fatal B-52 crash occurred in 2008 when a bomber crashed off the coast of Guam. The Air Force has not grounded the B-52 fleet pending the investigation, but safety checks are being emphasized.
