The U.S. Air Force has identified the eight individuals who lost their lives when a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed during a routine test flight at Edwards Air Force Base earlier this week.
The aircraft went down Monday shortly after takeoff from the Mojave Desert installation, killing all eight people on board. The victims included four active-duty Air Force members, one Air Force reservist, and three civilians supporting flight-test operations.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing, said in a statement announcing the identities of those killed.
The victims were identified as:
Col. (select) Gregory Watson, 53, a weapon systems officer and Air Force reservist assigned to the 10th Air Force at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, a pilot and Boeing employee from Tehachapi, California.
Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, a weapon systems officer assigned to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, at Edwards Air Force Base.
Maj. Robert Dee, 40, a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, a weapon systems officer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron and a resident of Lancaster, California.
Christopher Rischar, 41, a flight test engineer and contractor with JT4 from Lancaster, California.
Jeromy Smith, 32, a flight test engineer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron from Rosamond, California.
The Air Force released the names after next-of-kin notifications had been completed. Boeing also confirmed that two individuals associated with the company were among those killed during the crash.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the bomber to go down. Investigators from the Air Force and other agencies are examining flight data, maintenance records, and other evidence as part of a comprehensive investigation that officials say could take several months to complete.
According to flight-tracking information cited by reports, the aircraft made a sharp right turn and nearly completed a 180-degree maneuver before rapidly descending.
As the investigation continues, military leaders, colleagues, family members, and community members are remembering the eight victims for their dedication, professionalism, and service to the nation. Tributes have poured in from across the military and aviation communities, honoring those who lost their lives while supporting a critical flight-test mission.
The crash marks a devastating loss for Edwards Air Force Base and the broader Air Force family as loved ones mourn the deaths of eight highly respected airmen, engineers, and aviation professionals.
