Midair collision with another aircraft kills six U.S. airmen in Iraq refueling mission

A tragic midair collision involving a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft claimed the lives of six airmen during a combat mission over western Iraq on March 12, 2026.

“The Pentagon has identified six U”

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Military officials confirmed the crash occurred during what U.S. Central Command described as a combat mission in 'friendly' territory, involving an unspecified interaction with another aircraft that landed safely.

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The crash was not attributed to hostile or friendly fire, but rather to an accidental midair collision during refueling operations.

Ohio adjutant general Matthew S. Woodruff expressed the state's mourning for the fallen airmen, describing them as 'remarkable' whose service and commitment embodied 'the very best of our Ohio National Guard.'

The KC-135 Stratotanker, the aircraft involved in the fatal collision, plays a critical role in military aviation operations by refueling other aircraft in midair, allowing them to fly longer distances without landing.

Beyond refueling capabilities, the versatile aircraft can also transport wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, making it an essential component of combat airpower projection.

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According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force operated 376 KC-135 aircraft last year, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.

The crash investigation continues as military officials work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the midair collision during what was described as a routine but vital refueling mission.

Among the six airmen killed was Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky, who served as an assistant flight chief of operations and boom operator for KC-135 aircraft.

“Kentuckian among 6 US airmen killed in Iraq plane crash (This story has been updated with new information”

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Pruitt had accumulated an impressive 2,749 flight hours during her career and had served in 'a variety of aircrew leadership positions related to air refueling operations' since 2021.

She joined the Air Force in 2017 and completed enlisted aviator training in 2018, earning an associate degree in aviation operations from the Community College of the Air Force in 2021.

Pruitt was assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama, where her biography noted she 'oversaw aircrew readiness, training and flight operations while instructing boom operators on air refueling procedures to ensure safe, effective global mobility and combat airpower projection.'

Two other fallen airmen from Pruitt's squadron were identified as Major John A. Klinner, 33, from Auburn, Alabama, and Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, from Covington, Washington.

All three were assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, which is part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

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MacDill officials expressed their condolences, with U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing Commander, stating: 'Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Alex, Ariana and Ashley.'

Szczepanik emphasized that 'Our communities feel this loss deeply and Team MacDill will ensure their sacrifices and service to our nation are never forgotten.'

The remaining three victims were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, though their names were not immediately released.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has served as a cornerstone of U.S. aerial refueling capabilities for over 60 years, demonstrating the enduring importance of this aircraft in military operations worldwide.

The crash highlights the inherent risks associated with aerial refueling missions, which require precise coordination between multiple aircraft operating in close proximity at high altitudes.

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While the specific details of the midair collision remain under investigation, military officials have emphasized that the crash was accidental and not the result of hostile action.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by service members during routine yet essential combat support missions that enable broader military operations.

The long service history of the KC-135 aircraft, which first entered service more than 60 years ago, underscores both its reliability and the critical role it continues to play in maintaining U.S. air power projection capabilities.