TAMPA, Fla., March 13, 2026 — Four crew members have been confirmed deceased following the loss of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq on March 12, according to an official statement. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, when the KC-135, one of the U.S. Air Force’s primary aerial refueling aircraft, crashed during operational activities in the region. The aircraft had six crew members on board at the time of the incident.
Military officials confirmed that four of the six crew members have been declared deceased, while rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing as search teams continue efforts at the crash site.
Authorities emphasized that the loss of the aircraft was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, ruling out enemy action as a factor in the accident. Investigators are currently working to determine the precise circumstances that led to the crash.
The KC-135 Stratotanker plays a critical role in U.S. military operations worldwide by providing aerial refueling support to fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance aircraft, extending their operational range and endurance during missions.
Officials have stated that the identities of the service members will be withheld until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses and recovery operations continue at the crash site in western Iraq.
