A charter plane carrying eight people crashed at a remote radar site in Alaska, killing all on board.
According to NBC News, the US military said that the plane crashed at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, around 450 miles west of Anchorage, on Thursday, August 20.
As per the preliminary information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, the flight, Cessna 411, was heading to Cape Newenham after departing from Anchorage when it crashed near its destination at around 12:15 pm.
‘Devastating loss’ for military family
US Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and Eleventh Air Force, called the crash a “devastating loss for our military family and communities we serve.”
He stated, “These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. 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,” Davis added.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief Clint Johnson confirmed that there were two pilots and six passengers on board the flight operated by Security Aviation.
However, the names and details of the victims are not revealed yet.
It is also not clear what mission the group was carrying, but as per the statement, the plane was a “civilian-contracted aircraft” that was carrying eight personnel.
Alaskan Command stated that the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is part of a remote radar site that tracks flights operating in Alaska’s airspace and its borders.
The area is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center. Only military and approved charter flights are allowed to land at the facility.
The cause of the crash is not known yet. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will carry the investigation of the incident.
