A Cessna 441 charter plane operated by Anchorage-based Security Aviation crashed while approaching the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska on Thursday around 12:15 p.m. local time (2015 UTC) [1, 2, 3, 4].
There were eight people on board, including two pilots and six passengers, all of whom died in the crash [1, 2, 3, 4]. The aircraft was a civilian-contracted flight carrying personnel on a mission related to the radar site, which tracks aircraft in Alaskan airspace, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage [1, 2, 3].
Rescue teams confirmed no survivors at the crash site [2, 3]. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. The cause of the crash is not yet known [1, 3, 4]. Only military and approved charter planes are permitted to land at the radar facility [3].
Alaskan Command Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Davis called the incident "a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve." He described those on board as "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment" [2].
Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences to the victims' families and the Security Aviation team. She noted, "I've traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots," and added, "Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation" [1, 4].
The names of the deceased have not been released pending notification of next of kin, according to authorities [2, 3].
The plane took off from Anchorage earlier the same day and crashed while nearing its destination at Cape Newenham [1, 3]. Investigators continue to gather evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
