A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
01
A mid-air collision between two US refueling aircraft resulted in a fatal crash in northern Iraq.
02
The incident, which killed four crew members, is not believed to be due to hostile action.
03
The second aircraft involved in the collision successfully made an emergency landing in Israel, despite sustaining damage.
Atlas AI
Four crew members have died following the crash of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft in northern Iraq on March 13, 2026. Two other crew members survived the incident, according to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The crash occurred after the KC-135 collided with another refueling aircraft. The second aircraft managed to land safely at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, having transmitted an international emergency 'squawk code' of 7700.
Visual inspections of the second aircraft revealed damage to its vertical stabilizer. Initial assessments indicate that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. A full investigation into the incident is currently underway. The identities of the deceased service members will be released to the public at least 24 hours after their families have been officially notified.
