Investigators say all eight people aboard a chartered Cessna 441 died in the Alaska crash.
Why it matters: The crash raises safety and oversight questions for a military-chartered flight operated by a contractor in remote Alaska. It also puts the Army Corps of Engineers, the airline and federal investigators under scrutiny as they try to determine what went wrong.
- The plane crashed Thursday near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska.
- All eight people aboard were killed, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees.
- The aircraft was a twin-engine Cessna 441 chartered by the Army Corps and operated by Anchorage-based Security Aviation.
- The NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash.
A charter plane carrying eight people crashed Thursday near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska, according to the U.S. military. AP reported that everyone aboard was killed.
The aircraft was a twin-engine Cessna 441 scheduled to land at Cape Newenham after departing Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. AP reported the plane was chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and operated by Anchorage-based Security Aviation. Two Corps employees were among the dead.
NTSB Alaska chief Clint Johnson said there were two pilots and six passengers aboard. The crash site was near the remote Cape Newenham radar facility in western Alaska.
AP reported the plane encountered foggy weather, based on Flight Safety Foundation weather information. Investigators have not determined a cause.
Lt. Gen. Robert Davis said the crash was a loss for the military community and said the priority is supporting the victims' families, friends and teammates. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Alaska was praying for those on board and their loved ones.
By the numbers
- 8 - People aboard the chartered Cessna 441, all of whom died.
- 2 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees among the dead.
- 2 - Pilots on board, according to NTSB Alaska chief Clint Johnson.
Yes, but: Investigators have not determined the cause, and the weather at the time has not been tied to the crash.
What's next: The NTSB and FAA are continuing their investigation.