A charter plane carrying eight people crashed Thursday at a remote military radar site in western Alaska, killing everyone on board. The Federal Aviation Administration said the Cessna 441 went down at 12:15 p.m. local time at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage.
According to CBS News, Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief, said there were two pilots and six passengers on board. The plane had taken off from Anchorage and was believed to have crashed on approach to Cape Newenham. The twin-engine Cessna was operated by Anchorage-based air charter company Security Aviation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed two of its employees were among those killed. The corps said it had chartered the aircraft. The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and is part of a network of remote radar sites that track aircraft operating in Alaska's airspace and along its borders.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, 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."
Davis called the crash "a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve." The military's statement referred to the plane as a "civilian-contracted aircraft" but did not provide details on the specific work the individuals were doing at the time.
The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation, with the FAA assisting.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski posted a statement Thursday night saying, "I've traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots. I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site. Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation."
