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A plane with ties to Texas A&M is at the center of a tragic military aviation accident.
The U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress that crashed Monday near Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people on board, was tail number 60-0061 an aircraft known to many Aggies as the "Spirit of Aggieland."
The bomber earned that nickname while under the command of former Aggie and then-307th Bomb Wing Commander Colonel Bruce Cox, who helped dedicate the aircraft to Texas A&M.
Over the years, the plane made several appearances connected to Aggieland, including a memorable 2017 flyover above Kyle Field and College Station during the retirement flight for Colonel Cox.
The aircraft also carried signed flags from Texas A&M teams, including the Lady Aggies basketball team and the Aggie baseball team during its College World Series run.
It's important to note that the crew members who died in Monday's crash were not the same crew involved in the 2017 flyover or retirement flight.
For many Aggies, "Spirit of Aggieland" was more than just a military aircraft. It was a unique symbol connecting Texas A&M's traditions with the men and women serving our country.
