A charter plane carrying eight people, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees, crashed in southwestern Alaska, killing everyone on board, military officials confirmed Friday.
The twin-engine Cessna 441 was en route from Anchorage to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site when it encountered fog on Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, expressed condolences, calling it a "devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve." He stated that the individuals were "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment" and that the priority is supporting their families.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of families. The radar site is one of several in Alaska that track aircraft.
Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski also offered condolences and thanked the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for their response.
In a separate incident last year, a Bering Air flight bound for Nome crashed into sea ice, resulting in the deaths of all 10 occupants. An NTSB report indicated that aircraft was over its maximum takeoff weight for flight in icing conditions.
