All eight people aboard a charter plane were killed when it crashed near a remote radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, the U.S. military confirmed.
The aircraft went down at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, located approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, said in a statement.
The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and is part of a network that monitors aircraft in Alaska's airspace and along its borders.
The plane, described as a civilian-contracted aircraft, had departed from Anchorage. National Transportation Safety Board Alaska region chief Clint Johnson stated that the plane was believed to have crashed early Thursday afternoon while approaching Cape Newenham. Johnson confirmed that two pilots and six passengers were on board.
Davis referred to those on board as “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment.” He added, “Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time. We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”
The statement from Alaskan Command did not specify the nature of the work being performed by the individuals on the flight.