6 US Airmen Killed in Refueling Tanker Crash in Iraq

The Pentagon has identified the service members who died in the mid-air collision incident.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:41pm

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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. 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 Columbus, Ohio.

Why it matters

The loss of these six airmen is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving in combat operations overseas. The investigation into the cause of the mid-air collision will aim to determine if any changes are needed to improve air safety protocols during refueling missions.

The details

The six airmen killed in the crash 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 during a refueling mission, with the KC-135 aircraft crashing after an unspecified interaction with another plane that landed safely. Military officials stated the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

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

The players

Maj. John "Alex" Klinner

A 33-year-old U.S. Air Force major assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, who leaves behind three young children.

Capt. Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old U.S. Air Force captain assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base.

Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt

A 34-year-old U.S. Air Force technical sergeant assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and deployed as part of the mission.

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, Maj. John "Alex" Klinner's brother-in-law (Fox News)

“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, Maj. John "Alex" Klinner's wife (Fox News)

“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 (Fox News)

What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the mid-air collision is ongoing, and military officials have stated that the incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving in combat operations overseas. The loss of these six airmen will be deeply felt by their families, fellow service members, and the broader military community.