The B-52 Stratofortress that crashed during a test flight at California‘s Edwards Air Force Base descended at nearly a mile per minute before slamming into the ground, according to newly released flight tracking data that is providing investigators with an early look at the final moments of the deadly crash.The bomber was airborne for just three minutes and 15 seconds on Monday before it crashed, killing eight people on board, including Air Force personnel, government contractors, and Boeing employees participating in a test mission tied to the aircraft’s radar modernization program.Flight tracking data from AirNav Systems showed the aircraft reaching a descent rate of 5,056 feet per minute, nearly a mile per minute and roughly 10 times faster than a typical aircraft descends while preparing to land.
The data also showed the bomber turning northeast after takeoff and nearly completing a 180-degree turn before crashing on another runway at the base.
Military officials have not yet identified the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after 11:20 a.m. local time. Col. James Hayes, deputy commander of the 412th Test Wing, said investigators could take up to six months to determine what went wrong.
