Eight killed in plane crash at remote Alaskan military site, air force says
It is unclear why the civilian-contracted plane was at the radar site on Alaska's south-west coast.
All eight individuals aboard a civilian-contracted aircraft perished in a crash at a secluded U.S. Air Force facility in Alaska, the military announced.
The incident occurred on Thursday, shortly after noon local time (20:00 GMT), near Cape Newenham, the location of an airport serving a long-range radar installation.
While the identities of the passengers and their purpose at the site remain undisclosed, the chief of the U.S. Air Force Alaskan Command described them as "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment."
Lt. Gen. Robert Davis expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating, "This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve." He emphasized that the immediate focus is on "providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time," and extended gratitude for the "swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals."
The U.S. Air Force Alaskan Command reported that the plane departed from Anchorage International Airport, destined for Cape Newenham, situated approximately 450 miles (725 km) to the west by air. Rescuers who reached the crash site "confirmed there were no survivors." An investigation has been initiated, and the names of the deceased will be released following notification of their next of kin.
According to CBS News, the BBC's U.S. partner, Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region, confirmed that the aircraft carried two pilots and six passengers.
The Cape Newenham site, located on Alaska's southwest coast, is an integral component of the Alaska Radar System, a network of remote stations tasked with monitoring aircraft entering or operating within Alaskan airspace.