Eight people were killed Thursday when a civilian-contracted aircraft crashed near a remote U.S. military radar site in western Alaska, according to military officials.
The plane went down near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, roughly 450 miles west of Anchorage.
All eight people on board were killed.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, called the crash a devastating blow.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” Davis said in a statement.
The aircraft was described by Alaskan Command as a “civilian-contracted aircraft” supporting work tied to the remote military site.
The Cape Newenham installation is part of a network of long-range radar sites used to monitor aircraft moving through Alaska’s airspace and along the state’s vast borders.
The site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and operates in one of the most isolated and unforgiving regions in the country.
Military officials did not disclose the specific mission the passengers were carrying out at the time of the crash.
Eight people died when their charter plane crashed near a remote military radar installation in Western Alaska.
A twin-engine Cessna operated by Security Aviation, departed from Anchorage and went down on approach to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site.
Officials confirmed… pic.twitter.com/GKRlXIF5fE— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) August 21, 2026
Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region, said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane as a Cessna 441.
The aircraft had departed from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was headed for Cape Newenham when it crashed around 12:15 p.m. Thursday west of the radar site.
Davis described those aboard as professionals working in difficult conditions on an important mission.
“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.”
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the flight was operated by Security Aviation, an Anchorage-based charter company that regularly operates in remote parts of the state.
Murkowski said she had personally flown with the company during her travels across Alaska.
“I join Alaskans in offering condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham,” Murkowski posted Thursday night. “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.”
The crash triggered a response from the U.S. Coast Guard, the NTSB, Alaska State Troopers and the Rescue Coordination Center.
Remote aviation is a critical part of everyday life and military operations in Alaska, where vast distances, harsh weather and limited road access make air travel essential.
Those same conditions can also make crashes particularly difficult for emergency crews to reach and investigate.
The cause of Thursday’s crash has not yet been determined.
Federal investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, weather conditions, flight data and other evidence as they work to determine what caused the deadly accident near the military radar installation.
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