Eight Killed in Alaskan Air Force Plane Crash

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:46:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A civilian-chartered aircraft crashed near Cape Newenham, Alaska, killing all eight aboard, including two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees.

A U.S. Air Force‑chartered plane crashed just after midday near the Cape Newenham radar site in remote Alaska, killing all eight passengers and crew. The flight had departed from Anchorage International Airport for the remote radar base 450 miles to the west. Two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees were aboard, while the identities of the remaining six passengers remain unknown. U.S. military officials described the deceased as “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission,” and the Air Force has pledged full support to survivors’ families as investigations proceed. Authorities confirmed no survivors and are working to identify all victims.

Eight Killed in Alaskan Air Force Plane Crash

A civilian‑contracted aircraft crashed in the remote Alaskan airspace of Cape Newenham, killing all eight persons aboard. The incident happened shortly after midday (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.

The plane had taken off from Anchorage International Airport bound for the long‑range radar site, located 450 miles (725 km) to the west. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) confirmed two of its employees were passengers.

Details about the remaining six passengers are not yet disclosed, but the U.S. Air Force Alaskan Command described the crew as “dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment.”

Lt Gen Robert Davis, Alaskan Command chief, released a statement describing the crash as a “devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve.” He emphasized the priority of supporting families and the swift response of search and recovery teams.

Rescue teams that landed near the crash confirmed no survivors. An investigation is underway, and the identities of all victims will be announced once families are notified.

The crash was a civilian‑chartered flight operating under USACE, whose workers primarily are civilians. The National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region chief noted the flight had two pilots and six passengers aboard. The Cape Newenham site is part of the Alaska Radar System that monitors aircraft in the region.