March 12, 2026 — Western Iraq — Six U.S. service members were killed in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, U.S. military operations against Iran, when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker went down in friendly airspace over a remote desert area, according to U.S. Central Command.
The crash involved two aircraft, with the second KC-135 landing safely, and authorities ruled out hostile or friendly fire as the cause. An investigation into the circumstances, including a possible midair collision, is ongoing. All six crew members were confirmed deceased by March 13.
Official Statements
U.S. Central Command announced on X:
All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine stated:
All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased… It was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. Our service members make an incredible sacrifice to go forward and do the things that the nation asks of them.
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach added:
We are devastated by the loss of our airmen supporting Operation Epic Fury and extend our condolences to their families and communities affected.
Victims and Units
Three crew members were from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, including Sgt. Tyler Simmons, a 28-year-old boom operator from Columbus. His father, Milo Simmons, said, “Tyler loved airplanes and always had plans of joining the Air Force.” Three Ohio ANG members were confirmed killed. Other reports identified pilot Maj. Alex Klinner from Alabama and two Ohio ANG members, including a father.
Broader Context
The six U.S. service members killed in KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq marks the fourth U.S. manned aircraft loss since late February in related operations, bringing total U.S. deaths to 13, per New York Times and NBC Washington live updates. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, a claim disputed by U.S. officials. The KC-135, over 60 years old, was conducting aerial refueling, a rare mishap type with the last U.S. tanker crash in 2013.