No Survivors After Plane Crash at Remote Alaska Site
A charter plane crashed near a remote military radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people aboard, according to U.S. military and federal aviation officials.
The Cessna 441 departed Anchorage and was headed to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site, roughly 450 miles southwest of the city, when it crashed near the site's airport at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Two pilots and six passengers were aboard the flight, according to Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief.
Who Was on Board
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed, with the agency's Alaska District saying next of kin have been notified. The military described the aircraft as a civilian-contracted flight and did not provide details on the specific work the passengers were carrying out at the remote site. Alaskan Command said the names of those on board would be released 24 hours after families were notified.
The plane was operated by Security Aviation, an Anchorage-based charter company. Search and rescue teams reached the crash site shortly afterward and confirmed there were no survivors.
Where the Crash Happened
The Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is part of a network of remote radar installations that track aircraft operating in Alaska's airspace and along its borders. The site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, called the crash a devastating loss for the military community and said the priority now is supporting the families, friends and teammates of those killed. He credited search and recovery teams for their swift response to the remote site.
Alaska's Congressional Delegation Responds
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski offered condolences in a statement, saying she has traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout the state and has met many of its experienced pilots. She thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, the NTSB, Alaska State Troopers and the Rescue Coordination Center for their response to the crash site.
Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan also released a statement, saying he and his wife were joining fellow Alaskans in praying for the families and loved ones of those killed, and that he had requested a briefing from the NTSB and FAA to help determine what caused the crash.
What Investigators Are Doing Now
The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA assisting. Remote crash sites like Cape Newenham present logistical challenges for investigators, given the area's distance from Anchorage and limited infrastructure. Officials have not yet released information on a potential cause.
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