B-52 bomber crashed during test flight, killing all eight aboard

A B-52 bomber crashed during a routine test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people aboard. The fiery crash occurred shortly after takeoff on Monday.

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The flight tracking that was available Tuesday shows the bomber turning to the northeast right after taking off and nearly completing a sharp turn before crashing on another runway.

Limited tracking data indicates the aircraft made a sharp right turn and nearly completed a 180-degree maneuver before plunging to the ground. The rate of descent was recorded at 5,056 feet per minute, nearly ten times faster than a normal landing descent.

The bomber was involved in a radar modernization program, a key effort to keep the aircraft flying through at least 2050. The B-52, which entered service in 1955, is scheduled for further upgrades including new engines and avionics.

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The data that comes from a system called multilateration doesn't show precise altitude and speed information, but it does show the plane fell to earth at a rate of descent of 5,056 feet (1,541 meters) per minute, nearly 10 times as fast as a plane normally descends when preparing to land.

Officials stated that the investigation into the cause of the crash could take up to six months. The airfield remained closed Tuesday as crews worked to secure the crash site, which experienced flare-ups overnight.

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The aircraft was supporting a "radar modernization program."