Investigation into deadly B-52 bomber crash could take months, US officials say

An investigation into the fatal crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber during a test flight at California's Edwards Air Force Base on Monday could take up to six months to complete, officials announced.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, carrying eight individuals, crashed in a fiery explosion in the Mojave Desert, approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Flight tracking data revealed the bomber executed a sharp right turn shortly after takeoff, followed by a near 180-degree maneuver before descending rapidly at a rate of about 5,056 feet per minute, nearly ten times the normal descent speed for landing.

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I think it was definitely a controllability issue. Now, whether that was tied to an engine failure, a flight control failure, or some new testing device failure, I’m not sure.

There were no survivors among the occupants, who included Boeing employees, government workers, military personnel, and civilian contractors. Their identities have not yet been released. The airfield remained closed as crews worked to secure the crash site, which experienced flare-ups overnight.

Aviation safety experts suggest a flight control malfunction may be the cause, given the aircraft's immediate and steep descent after takeoff. Potential factors include incorrect rigging after maintenance, a catastrophic engine failure, or a problem with testing equipment onboard. The aircraft was reportedly supporting a "radar modernization program" as part of efforts to keep the B-52 operational through 2050.

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The aircraft was supporting a “radar modernization program”.