JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A charter plane carrying eight people crashed Thursday at a remote radar site in western Alaska, killing all on board, the U.S. military said. The crash occurred at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles (725 kilometers) west of Anchorage, Alaska. “This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaska Command, the Alaska region of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. and the Eleventh Air Force, they said in a statement. The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center. It is part of a network of remote radar sites that tracks aircraft operating in Alaska airspace and along its borders, according to the Alaska Command statement. The statement did not provide details about the specific work the individuals were doing. He referred to the plane involved as a “civilian contracted plane.” Davis described those on board as “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. Our top priority right now is to provide unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time. We are deeply grateful for the quick and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.” Clint Johnson, head of the Alaska region of the National Transportation Safety Board, said Thursday afternoon that two pilots and six passengers were on board. Corporal Newenham, Johnson said.
