Eight killed in charter plane crash near remote western Alaska military radar site

By THE ALASKA STORY

Aug. 21, 2026 – Eight people were killed Thursday when a charter plane flying from Anchorage crashed near a remote military radar installation on Alaska’s southwest coast.

The twin-engine Cessna 441 was carrying two pilots and six passengers when it went down west of the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport on Thursday, according to federal and military officials.

Rescue personnel who reached the scene confirmed there were no survivors.

The aircraft, operated by Anchorage-based Security Aviation, had departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was bound for Cape Newenham, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage. The flight was chartered by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and two Corps employees were among those killed.

The identities of those aboard had not been released as of Friday morning, pending notification of their families.

The Cape Newenham facility is part of the Alaska Radar System, a network of isolated military sites that monitors aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along the nation’s northern and western approaches. The radar site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command mission.

The weather in the area was foggy and misty on Thursday. Weather data here.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan NORAD 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.”

The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center initiated a search-and-rescue response after receiving a report of an aircraft incident near the radar site. The response involved military personnel and other state and federal agencies.

Recovery operations remain underway in an area known for difficult terrain, rapidly changing weather and limited access.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The NTSB will lead the investigation and issue official updates concerning the circumstances and probable cause of the crash.

For Alaska’s aviation and military communities, the loss is a particularly painful one. The people aboard were doing difficult and necessary work at one of the most remote outposts in the country.

“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. I’ve asked for a briefing from the NTSB and the FAA as we all seek answers on what caused this horrific tragedy,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan in a statement on Thursday.

Congressman Nick Begich, whose grandfather died in a remote Alaska plane crash in 1972, offered these thoughts: “This is incredibly difficult news for many Alaskans, especially those in our close-knit aviation community. Dharna and I join Alaskans across our state in praying for everyone affected and the entire Security Aviation family. My office and I remain in direct contact with the NTSB as the response and investigation continue. We are closely following developments and will remain engaged as additional information becomes available.”