Eight people, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees and four contractors, died this week when a charter aircraft crashed in southwestern Alaska, military officials confirmed Friday. The incident also claimed the lives of the flight's two pilots.
The twin-engine Cessna 441 encountered heavy fog on Thursday as it traveled from Anchorage to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site. The identities of the passengers have not yet been publicly disclosed. The military indicated that the families of the deceased employees have been notified, with public release of names expected 24 hours after family notification.
"These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. 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."
Tragic Flight Details Emerge
The Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is one of several isolated radar installations responsible for monitoring air traffic across Alaska.
Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Alaska Regional Office, described the crash location as "very remote, even for us. We deal in very remote locations. This community or this radar site is located about 460 miles west south-west of Anchorage, and along the ocean."
Johnson noted that the flight departed Anchorage at 9:15 a.m. and crashed around 11:45 a.m. The pilots, employed by Security Aviation, were navigating solely by their instruments due to the prevailing weather conditions. He added that they had performed one missed approach to the runway and lost communication with Anchorage during their second landing attempt.
The aircraft wreckage was discovered approximately a quarter-mile from the runway on elevated terrain and was described as "highly fragmented."
Investigation Underway at Remote Site
A six-person NTSB team is being dispatched to the site, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also sending one investigator, Johnson confirmed.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, expressed her condolences in a statement:
"I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today. I've traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots. I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site. Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation."
This incident follows another tragic aviation accident last year, when a Bering Air flight bound for Nome crashed into sea ice off Alaska, resulting in 10 fatalities. An NTSB report later determined that aircraft was found to be more than 1,000 pounds "over the maximum takeoff gross weight for flight into known or forecast icing conditions."
