A charter plane crashed near a remote radar site in western Alaska Thursday, killing all eight people on board, the U.S. military said, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees.
The crash occurred during foggy weather at about 11:45 a.m. Thursday near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, a private military site situated about 450 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.
The plane, which Alaskan Command identified as a “civilian-contracted aircraft,” was carrying two pilots and six passengers.
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,” Davis said in a statement, according to AP. “We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”
No information was immediately released on why the individuals were headed to the base. The passengers were not immediately identified, but the Army Corps of Engineers said the next of kin have been notified.
“This is incredibly difficult news for many Alaskans, especially those in our close-knit aviation community,” said Rep. Nicholas Begich, R-Alaska. “Dharna and I join Alaskans across our state in praying for everyone affected and the entire Security Aviation family.”
The National Transportation Safety Board said Friday it is still investigating the crash.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, expressed his condolences and said he has asked for a briefing from the NTSB and the FAA “as we all seek answers on what caused this horrific tragedy.”
“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”