US Identifies Six Service Members Killed in Iraq Plane Crash

The airmen were on a refueling mission supporting attacks on Iran when the crash occurred.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:20pm

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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. The crash involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire and is under investigation.

Why it matters

The deaths of these six service members highlight the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel engaged in operations in the Middle East. The crash also raises questions about the nature of the U.S. mission in the region and the potential for further escalation with Iran.

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, while the other three were part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio. The crash remains under investigation, but the military has stated it was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

  • The crash occurred on March 14, 2026.

The players

Major John A. Klinner

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

Captain Ariana G. Savino

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

Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt

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

Captain Seth R. Koval

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

Captain Curtis J. Angst

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

Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons

A 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 tragic incident underscores the continued risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members engaged in operations in the Middle East, and raises questions about the broader U.S. mission and strategy in the region.