No survivors after plane with 8 aboard crashes in Alaska, cause under investigation: Officials
A plane with eight people aboard crashed in a remote part of western Alaska on Thursday and no one on board survived, officials said.
The Cessna 441 took off from Anchorage and was headed to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar site when it crashed west of the radar site's airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The eight victims included two Army Corps of Engineers, four contractors and two pilots, the National Transportation Safety Board said. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the flight was operated by Security Aviation, which offers charter flights throughout Alaska.
The cause of the crash is not yet known, the NTSB said on Friday.
The flight first had a missed approach due to poor visibility -- during which the pilots could not see the ground -- and on the second approach, the plane crashed, the NTSB said.
The terrain around the airport rises, making it a challenging area to fly in, according to the NTSB.
The rough weather initially kept responders from finding the highly-fragmented wreckage, which was later located one-quarter-of-a-mile from the runway, the NTSB said.
Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan said in a statement, "Julie and I join our fellow Alaskans in praying for the families and loved ones of those who were killed."
Murkowski said on social media, "I join Alaskans in offering condolences."
"I've traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots," Murkowski said. "... Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation."
Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and is part of a network of remote radar sites that track aircraft operating in Alaska's airspace and along its borders, according to Alaskan Command.
"This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force. "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."
