Fatality: John A. Klinner, Ariana G. Savino, Ashley B. Pruitt, Seth R. Koval, Curtis J. Angst, and Tyler H. Simmons die in fatal western Iraq aircraft crash

John A. Klinner, Ariana G. Savino, Ashley B. Pruitt, Seth R. Koval, Curtis J. Angst, and Tyler H. Simmons die in fatal western Iraq aircraft crash

Fatal western Iraq aircraft crash death of John A. Klinner, Ariana G. Savino, Ashley B. Pruitt, Seth R. Koval, Curtis J. Angst, and Tyler H. Simmons – Obituary

The Pentagon has released the names of six U.S. Air Force service members who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash in western Iraq. The victims were identified as Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

According to U.S. officials, the incident occurred on March 12 during a mission over friendly territory as part of Operation Epic Fury. The crew was aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft when an in-air incident involving another tanker took place.

Military authorities stated that one of the aircraft crashed in western Iraq at around 2 p.m. Eastern Time, while the second aircraft involved was able to land safely. Officials emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile action or friendly fire.

Three of the fallen airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, while the remaining three served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based in Columbus, Ohio.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing as officials work to determine what led to the fatal incident.

KC-135 aircraft are designed without ejection seats or parachutes, as crews are instead trained to evacuate the aircraft under specific conditions when possible.