Airman Killed in Refueling Plane Crash in Iraq

Family remembers Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons' dedication to serving his country

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 28-year-old airman, Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, was one of six service members who died in a plane crash in Iraq on March 12 while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Simmons' family remembered his lifelong dream of being a pilot and his leadership in the Air Force, while also expressing anger over the "uncalled for" conflict in Iraq.

Why it matters

The crash, which did not involve enemy or friendly fire, highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East. Simmons' death comes amid a broader conflict between the U.S. and Iran that has resulted in at least 13 American casualties since last month.

The details

The crash occurred when a KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq, killing Simmons and five other service members. Simmons, along with Capt. Seth R. Koval and Capt. Curtis J. Angst, were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. The other victims were Maj. John A. Klinner, Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, all assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

  • The crash occurred on March 12, 2026.
  • Simmons was scheduled to complete the required credentials to become a Master Sergeant following this deployment.

The players

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons

A 28-year-old airman who dreamed of being a pilot since childhood and planned to serve in the Air Force until retirement.

Capt. Seth R. Koval

One of the six service members killed in the plane crash, assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

One of the six service members killed in the plane crash, assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio.

Maj. John A. Klinner

One of the six service members killed in the plane crash, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Klinner was promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the crash occurred.

Bernice Smith

Simmons' grandmother, who said he "had his dream job" in the Air Force.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He had his dream job, for sure. He loved the Air Force.”

— Bernice Smith, Simmons' grandmother (WCMH)

“He was a leader, and he wanted to go into the Air Force and make a difference.”

— Stephan Douglas, Simmons' cousin (WCMH)

“Families are suffering right now. Not only our family, but there are other families that's lost loved ones. Just to create a war, because you want to create a war, is not right.”

— Bernice Smith, Simmons' grandmother (WCMH)

What’s next

An investigation into the incident, which did not involve enemy or friendly fire, is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East, as well as the broader tensions and conflicts that have led to increased American casualties in the region.