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Eight dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in California The incident occurred on Monday morning while the aircraft had been on a routine test mission.

Eight dead in fiery US bomber crash in California: Military Eight people died when a US B-52 bomber crashed and erupted into a catastrophic fire shortly after takeoff at an air force base in California on Monday, officials said.The heavy bomber was on a routine testing mission with a mixture of military, government and civilian contractors on board when it came down in a fireball at Edwards Air Force Base, 60 miles (95 kilometers) north of Los Angeles.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Footage of the aftermath of the crash, which officials said was “unsurvivable,” showed a large charred patch of ground on which almost nothing remained of the huge plane manufactured by Boeing.“Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans,” Colonel James Hayes told reporters at the base.Hayes said the B-52 Stratofortress -- a long-range bomber used by the US military since the 1950s -- was on a test sortie as part of a radar modernization process.“It took off, and

B-52 on test flight plunged at nearly mile minute before crashing, killing 8 It was not yet clear what caused the plane to crash shortly after takeoff, and officials at Edwards Air Force Base said it could take up to six months to complete the investigation

Eight dead in fiery US bomber crash in California: military LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - Eight people died when a US B-52 bomber crashed and erupted into a catastrophic fire shortly after takeoff at an air force base in California on Monday, officials said.

Now 78° Wed 86° Thu 89° A ***FLOOD WATCH*** is in effect for all of SE Texas through Thursday morning. Stay w/ Your Weather Authority for the latest. byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk LOS ANGELES (TNND) —Military officials on Tuesday continued investigating what caused aB-52 bomber to crashshortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said after reviewing footage of the crash that no one could have survived. “We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. Passengers aboard the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Boeing confirmed Monday that two of its employees were among those on board. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash atEdwards Air Force Base, California,” the company said in astatement. “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.” Officials said it coul…

Eight people are dead after a B-52 Stratofortress crashed at Edwards Air Force Base Monday morning. Full story 👇 thetrendswire.com/blog/b52-bom... #B52 #EdwardsAFB #AirForce #MilitaryCrash #USMilitary #CaliforniaNews #B52Crash #BreakingNews

Eight killed in US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crash A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber has crashed and burst into flames immediately after takeoff, killing all eight people on board during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert.

From Iran missions to California fireball: What we know about fatal B-52 crash A US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight personnel aboard. The iconic bomber, a symbol of American air power, was on a routine test mission. Aerial footage showed the aircraft bursting into flames, with tracking data indicating a rapid, uncontrolled descent.

US air force names eight killed in Boeing B-52 test flight crash in California <p>Victims include four airmen, a reservist and three civilians as inquiry into Edwards crash continues</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&amp;utm_campaign=BN22326&amp;utm_content=signup&amp;utm_term=standfirst&amp;utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email</a></p></li></ul><p>Air force officials have released the names of the eight men killed in this week’s fiery crash of a B-52 during a test flight at Edwards air force base in southern <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/california">California</a>.</p><p>The deceased, whose identities had initially been withheld while the military notified next of kin, include four active-duty airmen, one reservist and three civilians, military officials said on Wednesday.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/17/b-52-crash-edwards-air-force-base-victims">Continue reading...</a>

US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in California, killing all 8 crew aboard <p>A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2008207/us-b-52-bomber-crashes">crashed </a>on takeoff on Monday at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, bursting into flames and killing all eight crew members aboard, Air Force officials said.</p> <p>The eight-engine, jet-powered aircraft, built to carry a wide array of nuclear and conventional bombs, was on a routine test mission when it crashed on the runway at Edwards just after leaving the ground, Air Force Colonel James Hayes said at a press conference hours later.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2066611237652156525'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/2066611237652156525"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>A towering pall of black smoke billowing from the crash site was visible for miles immediately after the accident.</p> <p>He s…

Now 78° Wed 86° Thu 89° A ***FLOOD WATCH*** is in effect for all of SE Texas through Thursday morning. Stay w/ Your Weather Authority for the latest. byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk LOS ANGELES (TNND) —Military officials on Tuesday continued investigating what caused aB-52 bomber to crashshortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said after reviewing footage of the crash that no one could have survived. “We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. Passengers aboard the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Boeing confirmed Monday that two of its employees were among those on board. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash atEdwards Air Force Base, California,” the company said in astatement. “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.” Officials said it coul…

Now 78° Wed 86° Thu 89° A ***FLOOD WATCH*** is in effect for all of SE Texas through Thursday morning. Stay w/ Your Weather Authority for the latest. byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk LOS ANGELES (TNND) —Military officials on Tuesday continued investigating what caused aB-52 bomber to crashshortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said after reviewing footage of the crash that no one could have survived. “We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. Passengers aboard the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Boeing confirmed Monday that two of its employees were among those on board. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash atEdwards Air Force Base, California,” the company said in astatement. “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.” Officials said it coul…

BREAKING: A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber reportedly crashed during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Officials say all 8 people aboard are presumed dead. Tragic news. 🇺🇸 www.wbrz.com/news/8-peopl... #MedSky #AirSky #BlueSky

Eight dead after B-52 bomber crashes at California air base By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 13 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off at a US Air Force base in southern California’s Mojave Desert and burst into flames, killing all eight people on board. Aerial footage showed virtually nothing left of the aircraft that went down at around 11.20am on Monday during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base, which is north of Los Angeles. Black smoke rose from a large swathe of charred desert near the runway on the base, with emergency vehicles nearby. Those on the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were on board. A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off at a US Air Force base in southern California’s Mojave Desert and burst into flames, killing all eight people on board. After reviewing footage of th…

8 people killed in B-52 bomber crash during 'routine test mission,' Edwards Air Force Base confirms https://abc7.com/post/8-killed-b52-stratofortress-crashes-edwards-air-force-base-kern-county-california/19303576/

BREAKING — 8 presumed dead after Air Force bomber crashes on takeoff at California base The B-52 Stratofortress, which took off from Edwards Air Force Base, was on a routine test mission, officials said. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...

8 crew members believed dead in a B-52 bomber crash at California's ... Smoke rises near Edwards Air Force Base after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed on June 15. (CNN) —[Breaking news, published at 6 p.m. ET] Eight crewmembers are believed to be dead in a B-52 bomber crash shortly after takeoff from a base northeast of Los Angeles Monday morning, Edwards Air Force Base said. [Original story, published at 3:20 p.m. ET] A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after taking off at a remote base northeast of Los Angeles Monday morning, leaving a towering black plume in its wake, Edwards Air Force Base said. Emergency crews responded immediately to the crash involving the B-52 Stratofortress, the base said. It has not released the condition of the crew or how many people were on board. CNN has reached out to the base, which is located in California’s Mojave Desert, for more information. The base’s runway was left with a large blackened scar on the sandy runway, as well as some residual smoke, but it was difficult to make out any distinct parts of the wreckage, video from CNN affiliate KCAL shows. As emergency crews focus on responding, the airfield is closed and inbound aircraft are be…

US military officials identify all 8 victims of fiery B-52 crash at California Air Force base The airfield where the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday remained closed, but other base operations have resumed.

US bomber aircraft crashes, eight crew members reported dead <img width="686" height="429" src="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/images-1-e1781596841984.jpg?fit=686%2C429&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A US bomber Aircraft" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/images-1-e1781596841984.jpg?w=686&amp;ssl=1 686w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/images-1-e1781596841984.jpg?resize=526%2C329&amp;ssl=1 526w" sizes="(max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px" /><p>The aircraft went down within the vicinity of the base in the Mojave Desert, prompting an immediate emergency response.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/foreign/888032-us-bomber-aircraft-crashes-eight-crew-members-reported-dead.html">US bomber aircraft crashes, eight crew members reported dead</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com">Premium Times Nigeria</a>.</p>

Now 78° Wed 86° Thu 89° A ***FLOOD WATCH*** is in effect for all of SE Texas through Thursday morning. Stay w/ Your Weather Authority for the latest. byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk LOS ANGELES (TNND) —Military officials on Tuesday continued investigating what caused aB-52 bomber to crashshortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said after reviewing footage of the crash that no one could have survived. “We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. Passengers aboard the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Boeing confirmed Monday that two of its employees were among those on board. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash atEdwards Air Force Base, California,” the company said in astatement. “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.” Officials said it coul…

Eight crew members dead in horror B-52 bomber crash ByMELISSA KOENIG, US REPORTERandEMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published:16:21 EDT, 15 June 2026|Updated:03:19 EDT, 16 June 2026 1.3k Viewcomments The US military is in mourning after eight crew members were killed when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an Air Force base inCalifornia. The aircraft carrying military members, government contractors and government employees plummeted to the ground just outside ofLos Angelesaround 11.20am PT on Monday after departing from Edwards Air Force Base. It was on a routine test mission at the time, supporting radar modernization efforts, officials said, and 'initial indications are that the crash was not survivable.' 'Today, Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy and we lost eight great Americans,' Colonel James Hayes said at a news conference, noting that officials were notifying next-of-kin. In a statement, officials for Boeing said they extend their 'deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California.' The company said: 'It is with great sadness that w…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The B-52 involved in a deadly crash during a test flight at an Air Force base in California made a sharp right and then nearly completed a 180-degree turn before plunging to the ground at nearly a mile a minute, limited tracking data shows Tuesday. All eight people aboard were killed in Monday’s fiery crash of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which was taking part in a routine mission as part of an overall program to keep the long-running aircraft flying for decades to come. It was not yet clear what caused the plane to crash shortly after takeoff, and officials at Edwards Air Force Base said it could take up to six months to complete the investigation. The airfield remained closed Tuesday. Crews were making the crash site safe for search and recovery teams to enter, after fires flared up overnight, said Mike Paoli, a spokesperson for the 412 Test Wing at Edwards. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 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 …

Eight dead after B-52 bomber crashes at California air base By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 13 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off at a US Air Force base in southern California’s Mojave Desert and burst into flames, killing all eight people on board. Aerial footage showed virtually nothing left of the aircraft that went down at around 11.20am on Monday during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base, which is north of Los Angeles. Black smoke rose from a large swathe of charred desert near the runway on the base, with emergency vehicles nearby. Those on the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed that two of its employees were on board. A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after take-off at a US Air Force base in southern California’s Mojave Desert and burst into flames, killing all eight people on board. After reviewing footage of th…

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The B-52 involved in a deadly crash during a test flight at an Air Force base in California made a sharp right and then nearly completed a 180-degree turn before plunging to the ground at nearly a mile a minute, limited tracking data shows Tuesday. All eight people aboard were killed in Monday’s fiery crash of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which was taking part in a routine mission as part of an overall program to keep the long-running aircraft flying for decades to come. It was not yet clear what caused the plane to crash shortly after takeoff, and officials at Edwards Air Force Base said it could take up to six months to complete the investigation. The airfield remained closed Tuesday. Crews were making the crash site safe for search and recovery teams to enter, after fires flared up overnight, said Mike Paoli, a spokesperson for the 412 Test Wing at Edwards. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 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 …

Eight people dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes in California The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been used by the US military since the 1950s.

US Air Force B-52 crashes in California Eight people are believed to have died after a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff

8 people on B-52 bomber that crashed in California are believed to be dead 8 people onboard B-52 bomber that crashed at Edwards Air Force base are believed to be dead, Air Force said 8 people onboard B-52 bomber that crashed at Edwards Air Force base are believed to be dead, Air Force said STILL WAITING TO SEE. OKAY, ASHLEY, THANK YOU FOR STAYING ON TOP OF THIS. WE’RE ALSO FOLLOWING THIS BREAKING NEWS IN KERN COUNTY. WE’VE JUST LEARNED EIGHT PEOPLE ARE PRESUMED DEAD IN A MILITARY PLANE CRASH THAT HAPPENED EARLIER THIS MORNING. THE B-52 BOMBER CRASHED JUST AFTER 11 A.M. TODAY. IT HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, JUST NORTH OF LOS ANGELES. YOU CAN SEE THE DEBRIS AND THE BURN SCAR LEFT FROM THE PLANE RIGHT ALONG THE RUNWAY. THE AIR FORCE BASE SAYS THE CRASH WAS NOT SURVIVABLE. NOTHING IS REALLY LEFT. THE CAUSE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. PROBABLY HAD A FULL TANK OF FUEL ON BOARD. THE B-52 BOMBERS, TYPICALLY CREWED BY FIVE PEOPLE. THIS IS WHAT THE MILITARY PLANE LOOKS LIKE. THE LONG RANGE BOMBER ENTERED SERVICE IN 1955. IT’S DESIGNED TO CARRY BOTH CONVENTIONAL AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS. IT’S BEEN USED Updated: 4:13 PM PDT Jun 15, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Advertisement 8 people …

BREAKING: 8 believed to be dead after B-52 bomber crash in California Eight people who were on a routine test mission aboard a U.S. military jet are believed to be dead after the aircraft crashed upon takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base

IN BRIEF: US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashes at Edwards Air Force Base According to preliminary reports, eight crew members on board were killed

#BreakingMews A U.S. Air Force B-52 crashed at Edwards AFB Monday at 11:20 a.m. Eight were aboard; officials say the crash "was not survivable." NBC News and BBC News both confirm the aircraft was on a routine test mission. And that's the mews.

Military releases names of 8 crew members who died in B-52 crash in California <p>The military has released the names of eight crew members who died in a B-52 crash in California.</p>

8 people killed after US B-52 bomber crashes during test mission in California <p>Those on board include government contractors, uniformed military personnel and two Boeing employees, officials say; cause of crash not immediately clear</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/8-people-killed-after-us-b-52-bomber-crashes-during-test-mission-in-california/">8 people killed after US B-52 bomber crashes during test mission in California</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/06/AP26166739176598-1024x640.jpg" title="8 people killed after US B-52 bomber crashes during test mission in California" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>

Eight people who were on board a United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress are believed to be dead after the plane crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base Tuesday morning. Emergency crews responded to the scene and are working to account for all personnel, officials said.

Eight dead after US B-52 bomber crashes at California air force base Eight people were killed after a US B-52 bomber crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. The aircraft was carrying a mix of military personnel, government employees and civilian contractors on a routine test mission when it went down, prompting an immediate investigation.

Investigation into deadly B-52 bomber crash could take months, US officials say <p>Bomber that crashed during test flight at Edwards air force base in California killed all eight crew members</p><p>The investigation into a US air force bomber’s deadly crash during a test flight at a California base on Monday could take up to six months to complete, officials said.</p><p>The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, carrying eight people, crashed in a fiery explosion that sent up thick plumes of smoke at the Edwards air force base in the Mojave desert, about 100 miles (161km) north-east of Los Angeles.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/16/us-air-force-b52-bomber-crash">Continue reading...</a>

Eight crew believed dead in California B-52 bomber crash A US Air Force B-52 bomber, designed to carry nuclear and conventional weapons, crashes shortly after taking off at an air base.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The B-52 involved in a deadly crash during a test flight at an Air Force base in California made a sharp right and then nearly completed a 180-degree turn before plunging to the ground at nearly a mile a minute, limited tracking data shows Tuesday. All eight people aboard were killed in Monday’s fiery crash of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which was taking part in a routine mission as part of an overall program to keep the long-running aircraft flying for decades to come. It was not yet clear what caused the plane to crash shortly after takeoff, and officials at Edwards Air Force Base said it could take up to six months to complete the investigation. The airfield remained closed Tuesday. Crews were making the crash site safe for search and recovery teams to enter, after fires flared up overnight, said Mike Paoli, a spokesperson for the 412 Test Wing at Edwards. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 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 …

🔴 BREAKING: A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, and officials now say eight people are presumed dead in what appears to be one of the deadliest U.S. military aviation disasters in recent memory.

Now 78° Wed 86° Thu 89° A ***FLOOD WATCH*** is in effect for all of SE Texas through Thursday morning. Stay w/ Your Weather Authority for the latest. byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk LOS ANGELES (TNND) —Military officials on Tuesday continued investigating what caused aB-52 bomber to crashshortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and burst into flames, killing all eight people aboard. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said after reviewing footage of the crash that no one could have survived. “We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said during a news conference. Passengers aboard the B-52 included government contractors and uniformed military personnel. Boeing confirmed Monday that two of its employees were among those on board. “We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash atEdwards Air Force Base, California,” the company said in astatement. “It is with great sadness that we confirm that Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.” Officials said it coul…

8 people dead after B-52 bomber crashes at US military base The aircraft crashed at California's Edwards Air Force base. An investigation is now underway into the cause of the disaster.

8 crew members believed dead after B-52 bomber crashes at California's ... Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Smoke rises near Edwards Air Force Base after a US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed on June 15. ALERTCalifornia/ UC San Diego via CNN Newsource Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save (CNN) — Eight crew members are believed to be dead in a B-52 bomber crash shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, northeast of Los Angeles, on Monday morning, the base said. The B-52 Stratofortress was on a routine test mission that took off at 11:20 a.m. local time at the remote air base, officials said, and “initial indications are that the crash was not survivable.” Emergency crews responded immediately to the crash involving the bomber — which left a towering black plume in its wake — and are still working as officials try “to account for all personnel,” the base said. A press conference is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. local time, according to the base. The base’s runway was left with a large blackened scar on the sandy runway, as well as some residual smoke, but it was difficult to make out any distinct parts of the wreckage, video from CNN affiliate KCAL sho…

Fatal US B-52 bomber crash happened at more than 1,500m per minute A B-52 bomber aircraft that crashed at a US Air Force base in California, killing eight people aboard, made a sharp right and then nearly completed a 180-degree turn before plunging to the ground.