Eight people died after a plane crashed near the site of an ultra-remote aircraft tracking radar in Alaska, the US military said.
The Cessna 441, which left from Anchorage, crashed shortly after 12.15pm local time on Thursday while headed to Cape Newenham Long Range Radar site.
The site is approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage, two US Army Corps of Engineers employees were amongst the eight dead, officials said.
The crash happened in foggy weather, according to information compiled by a service that’s part of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that investigators were traveling to the scene on Friday.
Clint Johnson, the board’s Alaska region chief, told Anchorage Daily News that the plane made at least one attempt to land but missed the approach and tried again.
He told the outlet that the pilot was making another attempt when the crash happened. The wreckage of the flight was found at the end of the runway.
US Air Force Lt Gen Robert Davis said: ‘This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve.’
The Cessna 441, which left from Anchorage, crashed shortly after 12:15pm local time on Thursday
An aerial view of Anchorage Airport where the flight left from is seen here
An image here shows thick fog on Cape Newenham on Thursday
The site is approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage
Davis described those on board as ‘dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment.’
He added: ‘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.’
The airport is a private military site. The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center.
It’s part of a network of remote radar sites that tracks aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders, the statement from Alaskan Command said.
The statement did not provide details on the specific work the individuals were doing.
US Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska posted online that the flight was operated by Security Aviation, an airplane charter company based in Anchorage.
She said: ‘I join Alaskans in offering condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham.
‘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.’
