Eight people were killed Thursday afternoon after a charter plane crashed near a remote military airstrip in southwestern Alaska, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The deadly crash occurred near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, a U.S. Air Force military airstrip located in an isolated part of the state.
The aircraft had departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was headed to Cape Newenham when it crashed at approximately noon local time Thursday, according to a preliminary report from the FAA.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis described the crash as a “devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve” in a statement reported by The Associated Press.
The FAA said it will work alongside the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate what caused the crash.
An NTSB spokesperson told The Hill on Friday morning that five investigators were traveling to the crash site to begin documenting the scene and gathering information about the fatal flight.
Investigators are expected to examine a wide range of evidence as they attempt to determine what happened.
According to the NTSB spokesperson, the investigation will include a review of flight tracking information, air traffic control communications, weather forecasts and aircraft maintenance records. Investigators will also examine witness statements and other available information related to the crash.
Alaska’s two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, offered their condolences following news of the tragedy.
“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” Murkowski wrote on X.
Murkowski said she had traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska and had met many of the company’s experienced pilots.
The senator also thanked the agencies and organizations involved in responding to the crash, including the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers and the Rescue Coordination Center.
“Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation,” Murkowski added.
Sullivan also offered prayers for the victims and their families while saying he was seeking additional information from federal investigators about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“Julie and I join our fellow Alaskans in praying for the families and loved ones of those who were killed today in a plane crash in Western Alaska,” Sullivan wrote online.
The senator said he had requested a briefing from both the NTSB and FAA as investigators begin searching for answers.
“I’ve asked for a briefing from the NTSB and the FAA as we all seek answers on what caused this horrific tragedy,” Sullivan said.
The cause of the crash was not immediately provided. Federal investigators are now heading to the remote site as the FAA and NTSB begin their joint investigation into the accident.
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