A Cessna 441 aircraft chartered from Security Aviation in Anchorage went down with all souls aboard near the remote Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage at approximately 12:15 pm on Thursday.

Two pilots, and six passengers, including two from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) all died in the crash before reaching their destination at the airport at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site. Rescuers who landed near the crash site “confirmed there were no survivors.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force, said “This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” He continued, saying, “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. We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”

There is no information as to the mission being carried out at this remote site that is part of the Alaska Radar network that tracks aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders.

The U.S. Coast Guard,  Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center all responded to the site following the crash.

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

Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief, said that “We are launching a team to Cape Newenham. They’re gonna be coming up from Seattle, joined by some of our investigators here in Anchorage as well and headed to the site probably in the next couple of days, weather permitting.” 

The identities of the victims will be released sometime in the next 24 hours, according to authorities.