By Aldgra Fredly
Contributing Writer
The U.S. military said on Thursday that eight people were killed when a charter plane crashed at a remote military radar site in western Alaska.
The aircraft was carrying eight people when it crashed near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, about 450 miles west of Anchorage, which is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, according to the military.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” U.S. 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.
Davis said the individuals on board were “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” but did not provide further details.
“Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time. We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals,” he said.
The military described the plane as a “civilian-contracted aircraft.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said by email that the plane, a Cessna 441, took off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and crashed west of Cape Newenham Airport at about 12.15 p.m. local time on Thursday.
The FAA said that an investigation is underway, led by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Clint Johnson, the NTSB’s Alaska region chief, said the plane had departed Anchorage and was bound for Cape Newenham before the crash.
It remains unclear what mission those on board were carrying out and what caused the crash.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, took to social media to express her condolences to those affected by the plane crash in Cape Newenham.
“I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots,” Murkowski said in a post on X.
“I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site. Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”
Last week, two members of the U.S. military were killed when their AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed near Fort Hood, Texas, on Aug. 12. The crash resulted in the temporary grounding of all Apache training flights.
The two deceased soldiers were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead.
The military said on Wednesday that it will resume Apache training flights after a thorough review of safety procedures and flight operations, while the investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
