6 US Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Plane Crash

Victims included an Alabama father recently deployed and several from Ohio

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq this week, killing all six service members on board. The victims included a pilot from Alabama who had just been promoted and deployed, as well as several airmen from Ohio. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but military officials said it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers and sacrifices faced by U.S. military personnel deployed overseas, even in areas considered 'friendly' territory. The crash also raises questions about the aging KC-135 refueling fleet, which has been in service for over 60 years.

The details

The six airmen killed in the crash were assigned to units based in Florida, Alabama, and Ohio. The Alabama pilot, Alex Klinner, had just been promoted to major and deployed less than a week prior. The other victims included Capt. Ariana Savino from Washington, Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt from Kentucky, Capt. Seth Koval from Indiana, Capt. Curtis Angst from Ohio, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, also from Ohio.

  • The crash occurred on Thursday in western Iraq.
  • Klinner had just been promoted to major in January and deployed less than a week before the incident.

The players

Alex Klinner

A 33-year-old pilot from Birmingham, Alabama who was killed in the crash. He had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the incident occurred. Klinner leaves behind a wife and three young children.

Capt. Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old service member from Covington, Washington who was killed in the crash.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt

A 34-year-old service member from Bardstown, Kentucky who was killed in the crash.

Capt. Seth Koval

A 38-year-old service member from Stoutsville, Ohio who was killed in the crash.

Capt. Curtis Angst

A 30-year-old service member from Wilmington, Ohio who was killed in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot.”

— James Harrill, Brother-in-law of Alex Klinner (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“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 (WCMH-TV)

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred during a combat mission but in 'friendly' airspace. The aging KC-135 refueling fleet may also come under scrutiny.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed overseas, even in areas considered relatively safe. It also highlights the need to ensure the readiness and safety of the military's aging aerial refueling fleet.