March 12, 2026 — Western Iraq U.S. Central Command confirmed the crash of a U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashes in western Iraq during military operations.[1][2][3] in friendly airspace amid Operation Epic Fury, with rescue efforts underway for the crew.
The incident involved two KC-135 aircraft, one of which went down while the second landed safely, according to a CENTCOM press release. Officials stated the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.
CENTCOM Statement
U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely.
This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.
More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.
The statement was issued from CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Fla.
Crew Status and Rescue
Reports indicate six crew members were aboard the crashed U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashes in western Iraq during military operations. Officials from Bloomberg reported all six ejected safely, with rescue teams on site in the isolated desert region. The New York Times noted a KC-135 typically carries at least three crew members, and a search and rescue operation was launched immediately.
No fatalities have been confirmed, and recovery operations continue, per Stars and Stripes.
Possible Cause
Investigators suspect a midair collision between the two tankers during an air-to-air refueling mission, according to the New York Times. The operation occurred amid challenging conditions potentially including high winds.
Iranian claims of a missile strike by resistance groups remain unsubstantiated by U.S. sources.
Operational Context
The crash marks the fourth U.S. manned aircraft loss since Operation Epic Fury began in late February 2026, part of broader U.S. operations against Iran-linked targets and in the ongoing conflict with Iran, as reported by the Washington Post and New York Times. Previous losses included friendly fire incidents but no hostile Iranian action.
KWCH and other outlets, including Al Jazeera, echoed CENTCOM’s confirmation of the U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashes in western Iraq during military operations.
For related coverage, see Aeronautics Online sitemap.
