A charter plane crashed at a remote radar site in Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people on board, the U.S. military said.
The crash happened at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, some 450 miles west of Anchorage, about 12:15pm Thursday.
“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.
“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.”
It was not immediately clear what mission the group was carrying out. The statement said the plane was a “civilian-contracted aircraft.”
The plane, a Cessna 441, had taken off from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was headed to Cape Newenham, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is part of a network of remote radar sites that track aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders. It is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, the statement from Alaskan Command said.
Two pilots and six passengers had been on board, according to Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief.
The military statement said that following the crash, search and rescue teams landed near the site and ultimately confirmed there were no survivors.
The names of those on board will be released 24 hours after their next of kin are notified, the military said.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a Thursday social media post that the flight was operated by Security Aviation, an Anchorage-based charter company.
“I join Alaskans in offering condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham,” Murkowski said. “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,” Murkowski added.
Security Aviation did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.
