Charter aircraft crashes at US radar site in Alaska, killing all 8 on board
Alaska: A small aircraft carrying eight people crashed in a remote part of western Alaska on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as search and rescue teams were deployed to the site.
The Cessna 441 had taken off from Anchorage earlier in the day and was flying towards Cape Newenham when it crashed at around 12.15pm local time, the FAA said.
The aircraft was headed for the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site, a remote facility in western Alaska.
There was no immediate information on the condition of those on board.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said the Alaska National Guard was carrying out a search and rescue operation following the crash.
Senior Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed condolences to those on board and their families, while thanking the agencies involved in the response.
"I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today," Murkowski said in a post on X.
I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today. 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…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) August 21, 2026
She said she had travelled extensively across Alaska with Security Aviation and had met many of its experienced pilots. She also thanked the US Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Alaska State Troopers and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the crash site.
The NTSB is expected to investigate the cause of the crash, according to ABC News.
The crash occurred around 450 miles (725 km) west of Anchorage, in an area where harsh weather and remote terrain can make rescue operations difficult.