Charter plane crash in Alaska kills all eight onboard near US military airstrip
‘Civilian-contracted aircraft’ crashes in western Alaska killing two pilots and six passengers, officials say
A charter aircraft carrying eight people crashed at a remote radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all on board, the US military said
The crash happened near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site airport, approximately 450 miles (725km) west of Anchorage, Alaska
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” US air force Lt Gen Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American aerospace defense command region and 11th air force, said in a statement
The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center. It is part of a network of remote radar sites that tracks aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders, the statement from Alaskan Command said
The statement did not provide details on the specific work the individuals were doing. It referred to the plane involved as a “civilian-contracted aircraft”
Davis described those on board as “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time. We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”
Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, said earlier on Thursday evening that two pilots and six passengers were on board
He said the aircraft crashed on land near the Cape Newenham airport, an air force airstrip
The twin-engined Cessna 441 had taken off from Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport and was headed to Cape Newenham, the Federal A said. The crash happened about 12.15pm local time
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) said that it chartered the flight and that two of its employees on board were among those killed
The USACE said next of kin have been informed and that it is “coordinating closely with the appropriate local, state, and federal authorities”
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska posted to X on Thursday night: “I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today. I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aed pilots.”
She expressed appreciation for the various authorities responding to the tragedy and added: “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security A
The Associated Press contributed reporting
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