US military bomber crash kills eight crew members

LOS ANGELES

A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashed and exploded on takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base, killing all eight crew members. The massive aircraft was starting a routine radar test mission when it slammed into the Mojave Desert runway, creating a giant cloud of black smoke. The mixed crew included military personnel, government civilians, and two Boeing contractors. Officials stated the fiery wreck left a charred path larger than a football field, making the crash unsurvivable. Investigations are underway to find the cause, and all flight operations at the base remain completely grounded.