SFTE Expresses Condolences Related to B-52 Mishap

On Monday June 15, a United States Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 412th Test Wing crashed shortly after takeoff during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time. Eight crew members were killed.
 

Words of support from SFTE President Jeff Canclini:

The Society of Flight Test Engineers extends its deepest condolences to the families, teammates, and colleagues affected by the tragic B-52 mishap at Edwards Air Force Base.

The flight test community is close-knit, and a loss like this is felt across our profession. Our thoughts are with the 412th Test Wing, the Air Force Test Center, and all those supporting the response and investigation.

Respectfully,
Jeff Canclini
President, SFTE

Additionally, SFTE received the following letter from the Flight Test Society of Australia:

I write on behalf of the Flight Test Society of Australia to acknowledge the loss of colleagues in the B-52 flight test accident at Edwards Air Force Base earlier this week.

The flight test community in Australia is closely connected to that in the United States, and particularly to those working at Edwards. Many of our members have worked alongside SFTE members in that environment, sharing in the technical practice, risks, and responsibilities that define our profession. As an SFTE member, and having worked with you over time, I know the strength of the community you represent.

A flight test accident is felt across the entire profession, irrespective of geography. It reminds us of the demanding and unforgiving work undertaken in the pursuit of advancing aerospace capability safely and responsibly.

FTSA recognises the contribution of those who were lost and the role they played in furthering the development, analysis, and assurance of complex aerospace systems. Their work, and their commitment to the profession, is respected well beyond their immediate organisations.

Please convey to SFTE members and the broader community around Edwards our respect and regard at this time. We stand with SFTE in acknowledging both the loss and the professional legacy of those involved.

Yours sincerely,

Ben Luther
President
Flight Test Society of Australia