‘Civilian-contracted aircraft’ crashes in western Alaska killing two pilots and six passengers, officials say
A charter aircraft that crashed at a remote radar site in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people onboard, was making its second runway approach in heavy fog when it lost contact, authorities said Friday.
The Cessna’s two pilots could not see the gravel airstrip and were flying solely by instruments when the plane crashed about midday Thursday, Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, told a virtual news conference.
Regulations required that they abort their first landing attempt because of the lack of visibility, he said, and the plane crashed on its second attempt, about one-third of a mile (0.5km) from the runway. The runway is surrounded by mountainous terrain on three sides, and the Federal Aviation Administration recommends pilots use GPS and other instruments when they land there.
Onboard were the pilots, two employees of the US Army Corps of Engineers and four contractors. Two of the contractors were employees of Calista Brice, a collection of companies that perform construction, engineering, logistics and other work in remote areas.
The crash happened near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site airport, approximately 450 miles (725km) west of Anchorage, Alaska.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” US air force Lt Gen Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American aerospace defense command region and 11th air force, said in a statement.
The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center. It is part of a network of remote radar sites that tracks aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders, the statement from Alaskan Command said.
The statement did not provide details on the specific work the individuals were doing. It referred to the plane involved as a “civilian-contracted aircraft”.
Davis described those on board as “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.”
The twin-engined Cessna 441 had taken off from Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport and was headed to Cape Newenham, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The crash happened about 12.15pm local time.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska posted to X on Thursday night: “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.”
She expressed appreciation for the various authorities responding to the tragedy and added: “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting