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Airplane Accidents and Disasters

8 dead after charter plane crash in western Alaska, military says

Portrait of Charles Ventura Charles Ventura

USA TODAY
Updated Aug. 21, 2026, 3:16 p.m. ET

A charter plane crashed at a remote military radar site in western Alaska on Aug. 20, killing all eight people on board, the U.S. military said.

A Cessna 441 departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and headed to Cape Newenham when it crashed at around 12:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash occurred at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, about 450 miles west-southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, Alaskan Command told USA TODAY.

All eight people aboard the plane were killed, Alaskan Command said. The victims will be identified 24 hours after their next of kin has been notified.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force. “These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time.”

It was not immediately clear what mission the group was conducting. Alaska Command described the plane involved as a “civilian-contracted aircraft.”

The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, according to Alaskan Command. The Cape Newenham facility is part of a network of remote radar sites that track aircraft in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski took to social media and expressed her condolences after the crash in Cape Newenham.

“I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site,” Murkowski said on X. “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. The FAA said the NTSB will lead the probe.

Contributing: Reuters

This story was updated to add new information.

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Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/

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