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Crash Kills All Aboard
A charter plane crash near a remote radar site in western Alaska killed all eight people on board, the U.S. military said, after the aircraft crashed at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport around 12:15 p.m. local time Thursday.
“killing all 8 people on board”
CNN reported the flight was a Cessna 441 that departed Anchorage and was headed to Cape Newenham, about 450 miles southwest, when it crashed near its destination.
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USA TODAY said the Cessna 441 departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and headed to Cape Newenham when it crashed at around 12:15 p.m. local time, and that all eight people aboard were killed.
The U.S. military described the plane as a "civilian-contracted aircraft," and the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, with the NTSB to lead the probe.
Officials Mourn, Agencies Respond
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis said, "This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve," as search-and-rescue crews confirmed there were no survivors.
USA TODAY quoted Davis saying the victims were "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment," while also saying the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board would investigate the crash.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences on X, writing, "I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site."
Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, said two pilots and six passengers were on board, according to the Associated Press as cited by CNN.
Investigation and Next Steps
The crash occurred near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, which CNN said provides access to the Long Range Radar Site and is an Air Force airstrip with only military and approved charter flights allowed to land.
“The cause of this crash is not yet known.”
CNN reported that the cause of the crash is not yet known and that the FAA and the NTSB will investigate, with the NTSB to lead the investigation.
USA TODAY said the victims will be identified 24 hours after their next of kin has been notified, and it described the radar site as part of a network of remote radar sites that track aircraft in Alaska's airspace and along its borders.
As the investigation proceeds, the U.S. military said the names of passengers and crew will be released after next of kin have been notified, while the FAA and NTSB continue their probe.
