Dramatic footage has captured moments after a US Air Force aircraft went down near Edwards Air Force Base. The horrifying video showed thick black smoke rising into the sky after a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed near Edwards Air Force Base in California.The dramatic footage shows the aftermath of the crash as a massive plume of smoke towered over the desert landscape. The accident has sent shockwaves across the aviation community and raised questions about what caused one of the US military's most iconic aircraft to go down.ALSO READ: Oliver Tree Helicopter crashWhat happened in the B-52 bomber crash?According to a report in The New York Post, the B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base during a test mission on June 15. According to eyewitnesses, a huge column of smoke was seen moments after the aircraft went down. Videos shared online showed dark smoke billowing into the air, visible from miles away across the California desert.ALSO READ: France vs Senegal Key Players FIFA World Cup 2026Officials said the bomber was involved in testing activities when the incident occurred and the aircraft reportedly crashed just seconds after becoming airborne before erupting into flames. Authorities immediately launched rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.Horrific video shows thick black smoke rising from crash siteOne of the most widely shared videos shows a giant cloud of black smoke rising above the base, creating a chilling scene in the otherwise clear desert sky. Photos from the area also revealed scorched ground and debris scattered near the crash site as emergency personnel worked to secure the area.— joinsumit (@joinsumit) Officials confirmed that eight people were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. The victims reportedly included military personnel, civilian employees and contractors involved in the test mission.Authorities have not yet released all identities publicly as family notification procedures continue. The loss of life has made the incident one of the most serious US military aviation accidents in recent years.What is the B-52 Stratofortress?The B-52 Stratofortress is one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world and has been a cornerstone of US military operations for decades.First entering service in the 1950s, the long-range bomber remains a critical part of America's strategic air power. Despite its age, the aircraft continues to receive upgrades and modernization programs aimed at extending its service life well into the future.The bomber involved in the crash was reportedly participating in testing related to ongoing modernization efforts.Military officials have launched a formal investigation to determine what caused the crash. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and witness accounts as part of the inquiry.At this stage, authorities have not announced any preliminary findings, and it could take months before a final report is released. Officials said the focus remains on supporting the families of those who lost their lives while investigators work to establish exactly what happened.Why the crash is drawing attentionThe B-52 has long been considered one of the most reliable aircraft in military aviation history, making the incident particularly significant.The shocking footage of black smoke rising from the crash site has further amplified public interest, with videos and images continuing to circulate online.As investigators search for answers, the tragic accident has become a major talking point across aviation, defense and military communities worldwide.Viral footage leaves viewers stunnedThe horrifying video has become one of the most discussed aviation clips online, showing the scale of destruction left behind after the crash.For many viewers, the towering plume of smoke serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with military flight testing and the risks faced by those who serve in the armed forces.With the investigation still in its early stages, officials are expected to provide further updates in the coming days as they piece together the events that led to the deadly crash.