Six US Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Plane Crash

Victims included a Georgia father and several from Ohio's Air National Guard unit

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq this week, killing six U.S. service members. The victims included a pilot from Alabama who had just been promoted to major and deployed less than a week earlier, as well as several airmen from an Ohio Air National Guard unit.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing dangers and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel deployed overseas, even in areas not directly engaged in combat. It also raises questions about the safety and maintenance of aging military aircraft like the KC-135 refueling plane, which has been in service for over 60 years.

The details

The KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft was supporting operations against Iran when an unspecified incident involving another plane occurred, causing the refueling plane to crash. The other plane landed safely. The victims included Alabama pilot Alex Klinner, who had just been promoted to major and deployed less than a week earlier, as well as three airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing.

  • The crash occurred on March 14, 2026.
  • Alex Klinner had been promoted to major in January 2026, just weeks before the crash.
  • Klinner had been deployed to the Middle East less than a week before the fatal incident.

The players

Alex Klinner

A pilot from Birmingham, Alabama who was killed in the crash. He had just been promoted to major in January 2026 and had been deployed less than a week before the incident.

121st Air Refueling Wing

An Ohio Air National Guard unit that lost three airmen in the crash.

Tyler Simmons

A sergeant from Columbus, Ohio who was among the six service members killed in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“Tyler's smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life.”

— Tyler Simmons' Family

“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him. He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”

— James Harrill, Alex Klinner's Brother-in-Law

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the crash, which officials said was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

The takeaway

This tragedy highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed overseas, even in non-combat situations. It also raises questions about the safety and maintenance of aging military aircraft like the KC-135 refueling plane.