Alaska charter plane crash kills all eight people on board
A civilian-contracted charter flight crashed in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people on board near a remote military radar site.
All eight people on board a civilian-contracted charter aircraft died when the plane crashed in western Alaska, according to statements from the US military and safety officials. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon near a remote military facility, drawing an extensive multi-agency emergency response and prompting grief across the state.
As reported by The Guardian, the aircraft went down near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. The location sits approximately 450 miles (725km) west of Anchorage, Alaska. Timesnownews noted that the site sits around 725 km west of Anchorage, near a US Air Force facility providing access to the Long Range Radar Station. Dynamitenews added that the crash occurred about 450 miles southwest of Anchorage.
Media additions
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the twin-engined Cessna 441 took off from Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport and was headed to Cape Newenham. The crash happened about 12.15pm local time. Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, confirmed that two pilots and six passengers were on board. 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 that next of kin have been informed and that it is coordinating closely with appropriate local, state, and federal authorities.
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.
"This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve"
Lt Gen Robert Davis, US Air Force, via The Guardian
Davis described those on board as dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. He stated that the absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time, and expressed profound gratitude for the swift and tireless response of search and recovery professionals. The statement did not provide details on the specific work the individuals were doing.
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, according to the statement from Alaskan Command. The runway at Cape Newenham is a gravel airstrip measuring nearly 4,000 feet and is surrounded by mountainous terrain, according to aviation information available about the facility.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center launched a search and rescue mission after receiving a Federal Aviation Administration alert about an aircraft incident near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site. The Alaska Air National Guard was also involved in the emergency response, according to the US Coast Guard. Emergency teams reached the crash site and confirmed that all eight people onboard had died. Security Aviation operated the aircraft, as reported by Timesnownews and Dynamitenews.
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"
Senator Lisa Murkowski, via The Guardian
Murkowski noted she had traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, meeting many of their experienced pilots, and added that Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation. She also expressed appreciation for the response of the US Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center.
Emergency Response and Investigation Overview
- Aircraft: Twin-engined Cessna 441
- Operator: Security Aviation
- Route: Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport to Cape Newenham
- Casualties: Eight people total (two pilots, six passengers, including two US Army Corps of Engineers employees)
- Responding Agencies: FAA, NTSB, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska Air National Guard, US Coast Guard, and Alaska State Troopers
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims. Officials said identification details would be made public after families of the passengers and crew members are notified. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have started a comprehensive investigation into the deadly crash. Investigators are expected to analyse several factors, including aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, pilot communication, flight path data, and possible technical failures. Further updates are expected as officials release more information about the victims, aircraft condition, and possible causes behind the crash.
