A charter plane carrying eight people crashed near a remote radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all on board, the U.S. military announced.
The aircraft crashed at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, located approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage. The radar site is part of a network that monitors aircraft in Alaska's airspace and along its borders, and is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, described the incident as a "devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve." He stated that the individuals on board were "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment."
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that two pilots and six passengers were on the plane. The aircraft had departed from Anchorage and is believed to have crashed on approach to Cape Newenham on Thursday afternoon.