Six Airmen Killed in Iraq Plane Crash Identified
Western Iraq — Six U.S. airmen were killed in a refueling aircraft crash on a combat mission Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command.
The incident occurred in “friendly” airspace, as the aircraft was conducting operations against Iran. Authorities confirmed that the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire, and an investigation is underway.
Among the deceased, Maj. Alex Klinner, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky, were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.
The remaining three service members — Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28 — were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.
Authorities reported that the plane was supporting operations when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred. That plane landed safely.
Emergency response teams were deployed, but all personnel aboard the aircraft were confirmed deceased. Lane closures are not applicable at this time as no public roadways were affected by the incident.
The U.S. government is expected to provide further updates following the ongoing investigation.