Posted on 08/21/2026 5:00:39 AM PDT by Red Badger
A charter plane has crashed at a remote site in western Alaska, killing all eight people onboard, according to reports.
The aircraft went down on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, which is around 450 miles west of Anchorage, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Two pilots and six passengers were onboard the plane, Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s Alaskan chief, told the outlet.
Johnson said the plane had taken off from Anchorage and was believed to have crashed while traveling to Cape Newenham.
“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis said in a statement, per NBC News.
“These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” said Davis, who is Commander of the Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.
“Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time,” he added.
The statement said the plane was a “civilian-contracted aircraft.” It is unclear what work the team was carrying out.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it chartered the plane and that two of its employees were among those killed in the crash, according to KTUU-TV. The agency added that their families have been informed of their deaths.
The aircraft is believed to be a twin-engine Cessna, per the outlet.
(Excerpt) Read more at people.com ...
Aviation ping.........😥
Hmm...I wonder if our comrades to the west has a comment.
Dang!
Horrific...
Not sure why there wouldn’t have been a military plane available for the job...
Why should you be?
Yes, I thought the same thing. One would think a C146A Wolfhound or a C12 Huron would be available at Ft. Richardson.
“From fiscal years 2015 through 2020, the Department of Defense (DOD) awarded nearly $8 billion for air support contracts. “
Search assist
Yes...
I was assuming that military maintenance of the planes would be safer, more thorough, and more alahu-ackbar-free than the typical commercial establishment...
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