Eight people were killed after a small plane crashed in a remote part of western Alaska on Thursday, officials said.
The Cessna 441 had taken off from Anchorage and was headed to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar site when it went down at about 12:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The aircraft crashed west of the radar site’s airport.
Alaskan Command later confirmed that no one on board survived.
Officials said the identities of those killed will be released after their families have been notified.
The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating what caused the crash.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski offered condolences and identified the flight as being operated by Security Aviation, a company that provides charter flights throughout the state.
“I join Alaskans in offering condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham,” Murkowski wrote on social media.
She said she had traveled extensively with Security Aviation and had met many of the company’s pilots.
“Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation,” she added.
Sen. Dan Sullivan also issued a statement following the tragedy.
“Julie and I join our fellow Alaskans in praying for the families and loved ones of those who were killed today in a plane crash in Western Alaska,” Sullivan said.
He added that he had requested a briefing from both the NTSB and FAA as investigators search for answers.
The Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is operated by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center.
The remote facility is part of a network of radar sites used to track aircraft flying through Alaska’s airspace and along its borders.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis called the crash a devastating loss.
“These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” Davis said.
He added that the immediate priority is supporting the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
Investigators have not yet said what may have caused the plane to go down.
Discover more from True News Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.