Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq
The Aviation Safety Network report
Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
Time:
Type: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Owner/operator: United States Air Force - USAF
Registration:
MSN:
Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants: 6
Other fatalities: 0
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Location: Western Iraq - Iraq
Phase: En route
Nature: Military
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Narrative:
A KC-135 crashed in Iraq. Another KC-135 (63-8017) was involved, but landed safely.
Sources:
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/567873
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/u-s-military-plane-crashes-in-iraq-as-status-of-crew-is-unknown-officials-said/
https://bnonews.com/index.php/2026/03/u-s-military-refueling-plane-crashes-in-iraq-6-on-board/#google_vignette
A U.S. military KC-135 refueling plane has crashed in western Iraq in an incident involving two aircraft, according to the Pentagon. Six crew members were on board, but there was no immediate word on their condition.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday that the incident happened in friendly airspace and was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second landed safely.
CENTCOM did not provide further details about the incident, beyond saying rescue efforts were ongoing. CBS News reported that at least six crew members were on board.
The KC-135 is a military refueling aircraft used to extend the range and endurance of U.S. and allied warplanes by transferring fuel in flight. It has been a long-serving part of the U.S. Air Force fleet.
The aircraft loss came on the 13th day of the U.S. conflict with Iran. According to figures released by CENTCOM, at least seven U.S. personnel have been killed in action, while another service member died in a health-related incident.
No additional information was immediately released about the crew, the aircraft that landed safely or the rescue operation.