March 13, 2026 — Western Iraq — Six U.S. service members were killed when a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling plane crashed during Operation Epic Fury, supporting U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The crash occurred on March 12 in western Iraq, involving two aircraft operating in friendly airspace. One aircraft crashed, killing all six crew members aboard, while the other landed safely. Officials have ruled out hostile fire or friendly fire, with a possible mid-air collision under investigation, according to AP News and NBC News.
Victim Details and Connections
Three of the victims were from Ohio’s 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard, including 28-year-old Tyler Simmons from Columbus, as announced by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
“It is with profound sadness that I confirm the loss of three brave Ohioans from the 121st Air Refueling Wing in a tragic aircraft crash in Iraq,” DeWine posted on X.
This incident raises the U.S. military death toll in the conflict to at least 13, per reports from Ground News.
Official Statements and Coverage
CENTCOM confirmed all six crew members perished, updating earlier reports that mentioned four deaths, as covered by BBC News, CNN, The Washington Post, PBS, ABC News, CNBC, and The New York Times.
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague also mourned the losses from the 121st Wing on X. The long-serving KC-135 was part of refueling efforts in the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions tied to Israeli operations.
Broader Context
The six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq marks a significant aviation incident amid the conflict, drawing widespread coverage. Initial reports from some outlets like ABC and PBS noted four deaths before CENTCOM’s confirmation of six. Unsubstantiated claims from regional groups like the Islamic Resistance were mentioned but not supported by U.S. officials. An investigation into the cause continues, with no further details released.
This event aligns with searches for major plane crashes, highlighting Boeing military aviation risks in combat zones. For related updates, see Aeronautics Online sitemap.
