A charter plane carrying two pilots and six passengers crashed at a remote radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people aboard, the U.S. military said via The Associated Press.
The crash occurred at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage, according to the AP.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson said the flight was chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and confirmed that two USACE employees were among those killed.
“We have received confirmation that the two USACE employees onboard were fatalities. Next of kin have been notified,” officials said in a statement. “We are coordinating closely with the appropriate local, state, and federal authorities.”
“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 Eleventh Air Force, said in a statement obtained by the AP.
The twin-engine Cessna was operated by Security Aviation and had been chartered to fly from Anchorage to Cape Newenham, located about 40 miles south of Goodnews Bay, according to KTUU.
Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, previously told the AP that two pilots and six passengers were aboard the aircraft.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center said it launched a search-and-rescue mission after receiving a report of an “aircraft incident” near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, reacted to the crash on X, offering condolences and noting her personal experience flying with Security Aviation.
“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” Murkowski wrote. “I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots.”
“I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site,” she continued. “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”
Fox News has reached out to Alaskan Command, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center for additional information.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
