Six U.S. Military Members Killed in Iraq Plane Crash

The victims included a father of three, a 'radiant' mother, and several experienced pilots and boom operators.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq last week, killing six U.S. service members. The victims included Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner, a father of three from Birmingham, Alabama, and Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a 'radiant' mother from Bardstown, Kentucky. The other victims were Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, and Capt. Ariana G. Savino, all experienced pilots and boom operators.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving in the war against Iran. The victims came from various Air Force and Air National Guard units, underscoring the widespread impact of such tragedies on communities across the country.

The details

The aircraft was supporting operations against Iran on Thursday in 'friendly' airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred. The other plane landed safely, but the refueling plane crashed, killing all six on board. The crash is under investigation by the U.S. military.

  • The crash occurred on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Maj. Klinner had just deployed less than a week before the crash.
  • Capt. Koval was promoted to captain in 2022.
  • Capt. Angst was promoted to captain in November 2025.
  • Tech Sgt. Simmons became a refueling specialist in 2022 and was made a technical sergeant in 2023.

The players

Maj. John A. 'Alex' Klinner

A 33-year-old father of three from Birmingham, Alabama, who was an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran and the chief of squadron standards and evaluations at the Birmingham air base.

Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

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

Capt. Seth R. Koval

A 38-year-old instructor pilot for the KC-135R Stratotanker with 19 years of service, who was an aircraft commander with the 121st Air Refueling Wing out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

A 30-year-old KC-135R pilot with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron, who had a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati and enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard in 2015.

Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons

A 28-year-old boom operator with the Ohio Air National Guard's 166th Air Refueling Squadron, who joined the Air Force in 2017 and became a refueling specialist in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, Commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing

“He grew up dreaming about becoming a pilot and to stand beside him as he made his dreams come true was an honor.”

— Heather Koval, Wife of Capt. Seth R. Koval

“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.”

— Cheryl Simmons, Mother of Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in 'friendly' airspace while supporting operations against Iran.

The takeaway

This tragedy underscores the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members in the fight against Iran, with victims hailing from Air Force and Air National Guard units across the country. Their stories of service, generosity, and love for family and country serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.