Four US Service members confirmed dead in KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq

Tampa: US Central Command has confirmed that four of the six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft are deceased following a crash in western Iraq on March 12, 2026. Rescue and recovery operations are still active for the remaining two personnel.
 

The incident occurred at approximately 2.00 pm ET in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. Officials have definitively stated that the loss was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. A second KC-135 involved in the mission landed safely, reportedly with significant damage to its tail section.

The identities of the fallen service members are being withheld for 24 hours pending full notification of next of kin. An investigation into the cause of the mishap is currently underway.