Six US Service Members Killed in Iraq Plane Crash

Aerial refueling tanker supporting attacks on Iran went down, investigation ongoing

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:20am

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The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the six U.S. airmen who were killed in a plane crash over Iraq. The airmen were on a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker supporting U.S. attacks on Iran when the crash occurred, involving another aircraft. The incident is under investigation but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

Why it matters

The loss of six service members in a plane crash during a military operation is a tragic event that will impact their families, communities, and the U.S. armed forces. Understanding the circumstances around the crash is important for determining any necessary changes to training, procedures, or equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The details

The six airmen killed in the crash were from two different Air Force units - three were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, and three were from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio. The crash involved another aircraft but was not due to hostile or friendly fire, according to military officials.

  • The crash occurred on March 14, 2026.

The players

Major John A. Klinner

33-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Captain Ariana G. Savino

31-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt

34-year-old airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Captain Seth R. Koval

38-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

Captain Curtis J. Angst

30-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons

28-year-old airman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.

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What’s next

The military investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members in support of military operations, and the importance of thorough investigations to determine any necessary changes to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.