6 US Airmen Killed in Iraq Refueling Tanker Crash

Incident involved another aircraft, but was not due to hostile or friendly fire, officials say

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:36pm

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The Pentagon has identified six U.S. service members who were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission in support of Operation Epic Fury. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, took place in 'friendly' airspace during an unspecified incident involving another aircraft that landed safely. Military officials stated the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire and remains under investigation.

Why it matters

The loss of six airmen in a refueling tanker crash during a combat mission highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving overseas. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be closely watched, as refueling operations are critical to sustaining long-range air operations.

The details

The airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio. Those killed were Maj. John 'Alex' Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Maj. John 'Alex' Klinner

A 33-year-old father of three young children, Klinner was an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.

Capt. Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old from Covington, Washington, Savino was also assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt

A 34-year-old from Bardstown, Kentucky, Pruitt served with the 6th Air Refueling Wing and was deployed as part of the mission when the aircraft went down.

Capt. Seth Koval

A 38-year-old KC-135R Stratotanker instructor pilot with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus, Ohio.

Capt. Curtis Angst

A 30-year-old KC-135R pilot with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron at the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus, Ohio.

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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, Klinner's brother-in-law (wfin.com)

“They won't get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could. They won't see how goofy and funny he was. They won't witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won't get to feel the deep love he had for them.”

— Libby Klinner, Klinner's wife (wfin.com)

“Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard.”

— Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio adjutant general (wfin.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, with military officials stating it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The Pentagon is expected to provide further updates as the probe continues.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed overseas, even during routine refueling operations. The loss of these six airmen will be deeply felt by their families, military units, and communities, highlighting the human toll of ongoing military conflicts.