Eight Killed In B-52 Crash Identified As Air Force

Edwards Air Force Base has released the names of the eight people who lost their lives when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff Monday during a routine test mission tied to the bomber’s radar modernization program.

The crew included active-duty Air Force personnel, an Air Force reservist, civilian flight test engineers, and Boeing employees.

Those killed were:

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• Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer with Boeing and an Air Force reservist from Shreveport, Louisiana.

• Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer assigned to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5 at Edwards Air Force Base.

• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot with Boeing from Tehachapi, California. Middleton was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and is survived by his wife and two children.

• Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron from Lancaster, California.

• Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

• Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.

• Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer with the 419th Flight Test Squadron from Rosamond, California.

• Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer and JT4 contractor from Lancaster, California.

“They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates,” said Col. Thomas Tauer, commander of the 412th Test Wing.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. An Interim Safety Investigation Board has begun examining the incident, a process that could take several months to complete.

The tragedy has left families, friends, and the Edwards Air Force Base community mourning the loss of eight highly respected aviation professionals.

Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.

Source: 412th Test Wing Public Affairs, U.S. Air Force.