8 Killed As Plane Crashes Near US Military Radar Site In Alaska

Eight people have been killed after a civilian-contracted aircraft crashed near a US Air Force long-range radar site in Alaska, the US military has said.

The aircraft crashed shortly after midday local time (20:00 GMT) on Thursday near Cape Newenham, a remote site on Alaska’s south-west coast that hosts an airport serving a long-range radar installation.

The US Air Force Alaskan Command said rescuers who reached the crash site confirmed that there were no survivors.

It said the aircraft had departed from Anchorage International Airport and was heading to Cape Newenham, about 450 miles (725 kilometres) west by air.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, including the identities of the passengers and the nature of the mission they were undertaking.

The US Air Force Alaskan Command chief, Lt Gen Robert Davis, described those on board as dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” Davis said in a statement.

“Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time,” he added.

“We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”

Clint Johnson, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region, said the aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way. Authorities said the names of those killed would be released after their next of kin had been notified.

Cape Newenham is part of the Alaska Radar System, a network of remote installations used to monitor aircraft approaching or operating in Alaskan airspace.