A charter plane crashed near a remote radar site in western Alaska, killing all eight people on board, federal military and aviation officials said. The flight, a Cessna 441, took off from Anchorage and was headed to Cape Newenham, about 450 miles southwest, when it crashed near its destination around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration said, based on preliminary information. Clint Johnson, head of the Alaska region of the National Transportation Safety Board, said two pilots and six passengers were aboard the charter flight operated by Security Aviation, according to the Associated Press. Alaska Command said the plane was a civilian charter flight carrying eight people. Search and rescue teams later confirmed there were no survivors, the command said. The plane crashed at Cape Newenham Airport, an Air Force landing strip that provides access to the long-range radar site, the command said in its statement. This cause of the accident is not yet known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation, the FAA said. Only military and approved charter flights can land at the Cape Newenham facility. The gravel runway is nearly 4,000 feet long and is located on the side of a mountain more than 2,300 feet high, according to FAA maps. There is high ground on both sides and at the southern end of the runway, which can make aborting a landing “unlikely” after a certain point. “This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis. “These people were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment.” The names of the passengers and crew will be released after next of kin have been notified, the command said. “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,” Davis said. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences in a statement about X. “I have traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska and have met many of their experienced pilots,” Murkowski wrote. “I thank the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers and Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site. Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones and the Security Aviation team.” CNN has contacted the NTSB, Security Aviation, US Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. On its website, Security Aviation said its “fleet of Cessna Conquests are ideal for flights in Alaska with challenging weather and airport environments.” The twin-engine turboprop planes are pressurized, seat nine passengers and have the ability to fly at 330 mph at 28,000 feet, Security Aviation says. This story has been updated with additional information.
