Eight fatalities reported in plane crash near military radar site in Alaska

A small plane chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crashed on Thursday in western Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals on board, according to the U.S. military. The aircraft was en route to a remote aircraft-tracking radar site when it went down near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, located approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage. The twin-engine Cessna 441 had taken off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, as stated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Alaska region, confirmed that there were two pilots and six passengers aboard the flight. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that two of its employees were among the deceased. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, expressed condolences, describing the incident as a significant loss for the military community. The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the crash, which occurred in foggy weather conditions. Five NTSB investigators are being dispatched to the crash site, according to NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson. The wreckage will be documented and transported to a secure facility for further analysis. The airport where the crash occurred is a private military site, and the radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center. The Corps noted that its employees were part of a project delivery team supporting the U.S. Air Force. Lt. Gen. William Graham, commanding general of the Corps, mourned the loss of the employees, calling them dedicated public servants. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski also offered condolences and acknowledged the response efforts from various agencies.