Charter Plane Crash Kills 8 Near Remote Alaska Radar Site
Xinhua · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
A civilian-contracted charter aircraft crashed at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska on Thursday, August 20, killing all eight people on board. The plane was approaching the remote radar facility when it went down in what military officials described as a devastating loss .
Key Points
- The aircraft was a charter plane operated by Security Aviation, an Anchorage-based company, carrying two pilots and six passengers
- The crash occurred at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles (725 km) west of Anchorage
- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, called the victims "dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment"
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), led by Alaska region chief Clint Johnson, is investigating the crash
- The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and tracks aircraft along Alaska's airspace and borders
Why It Matters
The crash highlights the risks faced by personnel supporting critical U.S. aerospace defense infrastructure in remote Alaskan locations, with search and recovery efforts now underway to assist the families, friends and teammates of the victims .
The crash highlights the risks faced by personnel supporting critical U.S. aerospace defense infrastructure in remote Alaskan locations, with search and recovery efforts now underway to assist the families, friends and teammates of the victims .