8 Killed in Charter Plane Crash

ANCHORAGE, Aug 21: A charter aircraft crashed near a remote radar facility in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people aboard, CNN reported Friday, citing federal aviation and military officials.

The Cessna 441 crashed near its destination at about 12:15 p.m. local time (2015 GMT) after departing Anchorage for Cape Newenham, approximately 450 miles southwest of Anchorage, according to initial information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The aircraft was carrying eight personnel on a civilian-contracted flight, the Alaskan Command said. Search-and-rescue teams confirmed that there were no survivors.

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the incident, with the NTSB leading the investigation.

Only military and authorized charter aircraft are permitted to land at the Cape Newenham facility, which houses a remote radar site.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” US Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis said, according to CNN.

“These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” he added.

The identities of those killed, including the crew, will be released after their next of kin have been notified, the Alaskan Command said.