DES MOINES — An Iowa native serving as a U.S. Air Force pilot was among eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, was killed in the crash on Monday, June 15, 2026. He was a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base.
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement mourning Hovey’s death and honoring his service.
“Along with every Iowan, Kevin and I mourn the loss of Maj. Brad Hovey and we offer our sincere condolences and prayers for his family,” Reynolds said. “Again, we are reminded of the incredible sacrifice demanded of every American who chooses to serve our country. As we honor Maj. Hovey’s life and service, let us never forget the cost of our freedom.”
Edwards Air Force Base said the B-52 crashed shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission. The crash killed eight members of what officials called “Team Edwards,” including active-duty military personnel, flight test engineers, a contractor and a Boeing pilot.
The fallen crew members were identified by the Air Force as Col. Gregory Watson, Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, Maj. Alexander Davis, Maj. Robert Dee, Maj. Brad Hovey, Jeromy Smith and Christopher Rischar.
“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. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates.”
Tauer said the base’s immediate focus is supporting the families and loved ones of those killed.
The crash is under investigation by an Interim Safety Investigation Board, and the Edwards airfield was closed until further notice after the incident.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been a central part of America’s bomber fleet for decades. Though first introduced during the Cold War, the aircraft remains in service and continues to undergo modernization, including upgrades intended to keep it flying for years to come.
Edwards Air Force Base, located in California’s Mojave Desert, is one of the nation’s most important military flight test centers. Test crews there fly some of the most complex and high-risk missions in the Air Force, helping evaluate aircraft, systems and upgrades before they are used more broadly.
For Iowa, Hovey’s death brings that distant military tragedy home. His service and sacrifice now join the long list of Iowans who have given their lives while serving the country.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.