Eight dead as chartered plane crashes in Alaska; NTSB, FAA to investigate cause
Two pilots and six passengers were on board the aircraft, which was a civilian-contracted flight.
Eight people lost their lives in a plane crash that occurred in Alaska on Thursday, according to reports from CNN citing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and military officials. The aircraft involved was a Cessna 441, operated as a civilian-contracted flight. The crash happened around 12:15 p.m. local time, with the plane taking off from Anchorage and heading towards Cape Newenham.
The victims included two pilots and six passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unknown at this time. Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed condolences for the families of the deceased, praising the swift response of various agencies including the US Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center.
The crash occurred at Cape Newenham Airport, which is under the control of the US Air Force. Only chartered planes with previous approval are permitted to land at this facility, except for military aircraft. The individuals on board were reportedly carrying out a vital mission, as stated by US Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, who emphasized the support for the families and friends of the victims.
Security Aviation, the aviation service provider, noted that their Cessna Conquest aircraft are well-suited for flights in challenging Alaskan environments, featuring turbo-prop engines capable of carrying up to nine passengers at speeds of 330 mph at an altitude of 28,000 feet.
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