8 killed in plane crash at remote Alaska radar site: US military

Eight people were killed after the charter airplane they were traveling on crashed in Alaska on Thursday afternoon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The crash occurred near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, a U.S. Air Force military airstrip located in a remote area in the southwest part of the state.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis called the fatal crash a “devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve” in a statement reported by The Associated Press .

The crash occurred around noon local time on Thursday, after the aircraft departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport en route to Cape Newenham, according to a preliminary FAA report.

The agency said it will work jointly with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on an investigation into the crash.

An NTSB spokesperson told The Hill on Friday morning that five of its investigators are traveling to the site of the crash to document the scene.

The NTSB investigators will examine flight tracking data, air traffic control communications, weather forecasts, aircraft maintenance records, witness statements and other information, according to the board spokesperson.

Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R) and Dan Sullivan (R) extended their thoughts and prayers following the news of the crash.

“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” Murkowski wrote on the social platform X .

“I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots,” the senator continued. “I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site.”

She added, “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”

Sullivan similarly expressed his condolences to the people who lost loved ones in the crash and said he will seek updates from the joint investigation.

“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,” he wrote online. “I’ve asked for a briefing from the NTSB and the FAA as we all seek answers on what caused this horrific tragedy.”