Alaska charter flight crash kills 8

On Thursday, a charter plane crashed at a remote military radar site in western Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals on board, the United States military confirmed. The aircraft, which had departed from Anchorage, Alaska, crashed around 12:15 pm (2015 UTC) as it approached the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, situated approximately 725 kilometers (450 miles) west of Anchorage.

Six passengers and two pilots were on the plane during the incident, according to Clint Johnson, the Alaska region chief of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The plane was identified as a Cessna 441 operated by Security Aviation, a company based in Anchorage.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences following the news of the crash, stating that she had traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska and had met many of their experienced pilots. The crash prompted a response from multiple agencies, including the US Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center.

The Associated Press quoted Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, as expressing that the plane was a civilian-contracted aircraft. While the exact nature of the work the crash victims were performing at the radar site, which monitors aircraft operating in Alaskan airspace, was not immediately clear, Lt. Gen. Davis emphasized the significance of their roles, stating that they were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a challenging environment.

The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center manages the radar site. Alaska Senator Murkowski also conveyed her condolences, highlighting the devastating loss for the military family and the communities they serve.