March 12, 2026 — Western Iraq A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during refueling operations in friendly airspace, killing all six crew members in a non-combat incident described as likely a mid-air collision. The six U.S. Air Force members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq occurred amid Operation Epic Fury, U.S. military strikes against Iran, marking the fourth aircraft incident in the operation and raising the total death toll to 13.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Pentagon confirmed the fatalities, ruling out hostile or friendly fire. The long-serving Boeing KC-135 went down over western Iraq, with an investigation ongoing into the exact circumstances.
Victims Identified
The Pentagon released names of the six U.S. Air Force members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq, highlighting personal stories from local outlets. Among them was Maj. Alex Klinner, 33, from Trussville, Alabama—a recently promoted major and father of three, including 7-month-old twins.
Three crew members hailed from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus: Capt. Seth Koval, 38, an instructor pilot; Capt. Curtis Angst; and SrA Tyler Simmons, 28. Additional identifications included 1st Lt. Ariana A. Bouche, a KC-135 pilot, as noted in social media tributes.
Operation Context and Response
The six U.S. Air Force members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq represent the first Air Force fatalities in Operation Epic Fury, per Air & Space Forces Magazine. The operation involves U.S. strikes on Iran, with the crash tied to high-risk aerial refueling amid escalating tensions.
CBS News and BBC reported widespread coverage, including Pentagon video identifications. On X, posts like those from @CollinRugg shared Klinner’s family GoFundMe, garnering over 33,000 likes, while others highlighted refueling risks.
CENTCOM echoed updates on X confirming all six as killed in action, with tributes focusing on the crew’s service. Local Ohio media, including 10TV and the Columbus Dispatch, detailed the Ohioans’ backgrounds.
The six U.S. Air Force members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq underscore aerial refueling hazards in combat zones, as covered by Stars and Stripes and NBC News.
