What caused the U.S. military plane crash in Iraq?
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but U.S. Central Command has stated it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.
World / Middle East
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 13, 2026, resulting in the death of all six crew members. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway...
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical asset for the U.S. Air Force, providing aerial refueling capabilities that extend the range and endurance of other aircraft. The loss of this aircraft and its crew represents a significant blow. While CENTCOM has ruled out hostile fire, the possibility of a midair collision or mechanical failure remains under investigation.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing military operations between the U.S. and Iran. This context underscores the inherent dangers of military activities in contested environments.
Adding to the complexity, officials mentioned a second U.S. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker was damaged but landed safely on Thursday, and a KC-135 tanker declared an emergency before landing in Tel Aviv Thursday evening, according to flight tracking service FlightRadar24.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but U.S. Central Command has stated it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.
There were six crew members on board, and all of them were killed in the crash.
The aircraft was a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft.
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