Eight Killed in Crash of Civilian-Chartered Plane Near Alaska Radar Site
A civilian-contracted aircraft crashed near Cape Newenham in Alaska, killing all eight occupants, including two US Army Corps of Engineers employees, while investigators determine the cause.
All eight people aboard a civilian-chartered plane died when it crashed near Cape Newenham, a remote U.S. Air Force long-range radar site in southwest Alaska, the military said. The aircraft had departed Anchorage International Airport and was en route to the radar installation, about 450 miles west, when it went down shortly after midday local time (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed that two of its civilian employees were on the flight, while the remaining six passengers have not been identified. The U.S. Air Force Alaskan Command described those on board as "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment."
Rescue teams that reached the crash site reported no survivors. An investigation has been launched, and the names of the deceased will be released after families are notified.
"Our absolute priority right now is providing support to their families, friends and teammates," said Lt Gen Robert Davis in a statement. > "We are grateful for the swift response of search and recovery personnel," he added.
Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region, said the flight carried two pilots and six passengers.