Charter plane crash in Alaska kills all eight onboard near US military airstrip

A charter plane crash in Alaska claimed the lives of all eight people on board near a US military airstrip, officials confirmed. The Cessna 441, a twin-engined aircraft, was making its second runway approach in heavy fog when it lost contact with air traffic control, authorities reported on Friday. The pilots, unable to see the gravel airstrip, were relying solely on instruments when the plane crashed approximately one-third of a mile from the runway around midday Thursday.

The crash occurred near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site airport, about 450 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. The National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief, Clint Johnson, stated that the pilots should have aborted their first landing attempt due to the poor visibility and crashed on their second attempt. The plane was carrying two Army Corps of Engineers employees and four contractors, including personnel from Calista Brice, a company specializing in construction, engineering, and logistics in remote areas.

US air force Lt Gen Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, expressed condolences, describing the individuals onboard as dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. The radar site, managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, is part of a network tracking aircraft in Alaska's airspace and along its borders.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska mourned the crash and praised the swift response of search and recovery teams.