Iowa Native Killed in Air Force B-52 Crash

An Iowan was among those killed after a B-52 bomber crashed in California on Monday.

B-52 Bomber Crash Claims Eight Lives

The Des Moines Register reports that an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday. Base officials say the eight people on board were a mix of military personnel and civilian contractors, according to the Register. On Wednesday, the identities of the victims were released, and they included an Iowa native.

Iowa Native Killed in Crash

The Register reports that Maj. Brad Hovey, a pilot with the 419th Flight Test Squadron, was identified as one of the victims of the crash. A new release from the office of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds confirmed that Hovey was an Iowa native. A Facebook post also confirmed that Hovey was a graduate of the ADM School District in 2009.

Hovey's family declined to comment to the Register.

Why Did the Plane Crash After Take-Off?

The Register reports that the huge plane "immediately after takeoff, crashed and burst into flames." An immediate cause of the crash is not known, and an investigation could take months to complete.

The crew was part of a flight that was going to test a radar modernization program. The last time a 5-52 crashed in the United States was prior to an air show in Washington in 1994, according to the Register.