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 Aviation Administration (FAA) 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 Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced 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 Aviation.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting
