6 US Service Members Killed in Iraq Air Crash

A Kentucky mother was among the victims of the refueling plane crash.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Six U.S. service members, including a 'radiant' mother of two from Kentucky, were killed when a refueling plane crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. The victims were from air units based in Alabama, Florida, and Ohio.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas, especially in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The victims came from diverse backgrounds but were united in their service and commitment to their country.

The details

The KC-135 refueling plane was in 'friendly' airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred on March 10, 2026. The other plane landed safely, but the refueling plane crashed, killing all six on board. The victims included an assistant flight chief, a pilot who had just been promoted, and several boom operators responsible for in-air refueling. The crash is under investigation.

  • The crash occurred on March 10, 2026.
  • The victims had deployed to the region within the past week.

The players

Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old mother of two from Bardstown, Kentucky, who was an assistant flight chief of operations and an instructor in operating the boom of a KC-135 refueling plane.

Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner

A 33-year-old pilot from Birmingham, Alabama, who had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the crash occurred.

Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons

A 28-year-old boom operator from the Ohio Air National Guard's 166th Air Refueling Squadron, responsible for transferring fuel from the tanker to receiving aircraft.

Capt. Ariana G. Savino

A 31-year-old pilot from Covington, Washington, who was the chief of current operations for the 99th Air Refueling Squadron.

Capt. Seth R. Koval

A 38-year-old instructor pilot for the KC135R Stratotanker with 19 years of service, based out of the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus, Ohio.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'll give you something brief -– in a word, radiant. If there was a light in the room, she was it.”

— Gregory Pruitt, Husband of Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

“To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom, or dad. To lose them at the same time is unimaginable.”

— Col. Ed Szczepanik, Commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing

“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, Wife of Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner (Instagram)

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by U.S. service members and their families, who continue to put their lives on the line in service of their country, even in the face of ongoing conflicts abroad.