Meritorious test pilot Lt. Col. Miles Middleton identified as first victim of Monday’s fatal crash B-52 Stratofortress The crash occurred at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He is survived by his wife, Pam, and two children. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the family following the tragedy.
Who is Miles Middleton?
according to new york postMiddleton has held key leadership roles in the Air Force flight test program for many years. From 2016 to 2018, he led the 419th Flight Test Squadron edwards air force basea unit involved in evaluating and improving U.S. bomber capabilities.
During his tenure, Middleton worked closely with the team responsible for testing and evaluating strategic aircraft. Images shared by Edwards Air Force Base show him taking command of the squadron in a 2016 ceremony hosted by senior Air Force officials.
GoFundMe launched
one GoFundMe page The event, organized by a family friend, described the devastating impact Middleton’s death had on his loved ones.
“Pam Middleton and her two children have faced an unimaginable loss when her husband Miles was tragically killed in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base. As a family friend, I have witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience Pam has shown, but the road ahead is filled with uncertainty and challenges,” the fundraiser said.
The campaign notes that Pam now faces the responsibility of raising her family on her own.
The page adds, “After Miles passed away, Pam is now responsible for raising her family on her own. Funds raised will help cover immediate expenses and bills, giving them some help adjusting to their new reality. In addition to daily living expenses, as a community we want to raise funds for the children’s college so they can look forward to a brighter future despite the heartbreak they experience. Your support will help ease the financial burden and give Pam and her children a sense of hope and security.”
It concluded: “Please help Pam and her children through this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for any support and your kindness will have a lasting impact on their lives. Together we can show Pam and her family that they are not alone and that their community is there for them.”
About the crash
one B-52 bomber The plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, killing all eight people on board.
Images from the scene showed black smoke billowing from a swath of charred desert near the runway as emergency crews responded.
After reviewing video of the crash, officials concluded there were no survivors, said Col. James Hayes, 412th Test Wing deputy commander.
“We lost eight great Americans,” Hayes said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Hayes said it could take up to six months to determine what happened, but noted that the aircraft was supporting the military’s “radar modernization program” at the time of the accident.
