A Cessna 441 charter flight operated by Security Aviation crashed near Cape Newenham Airport in western Alaska on Thursday, killing all eight people on board. The aircraft left Anchorage bound for the Long Range Radar Site at Cape Newenham, about 450 miles southwest, and went down around 12:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Who was on board
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Alaska region chief Clint Johnson confirmed that the flight carried two pilots and six passengers. The Alaska Command described the flight as a civilian‑contracted mission transporting eight personnel to the Air Force airstrip that serves the radar installation.
Response and investigation
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, operated by the Alaska Air National Guard, launched a search‑and‑rescue operation after receiving an FAA alert. Search crews found no survivors. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis called the loss “devastating” for the military family and the surrounding communities, emphasizing the dedication of the professionals on the mission.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB will conduct a full investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. The cause of the crash remains unknown pending the investigation.
Official reactions
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed condolences on the social platform X, noting her extensive experience traveling with Security Aviation throughout the state and her personal familiarity with many of the pilots. She praised the rapid response of the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center, adding that Alaska is praying for the families of those lost.
Security Aviation has not yet released the names of the passengers or crew, stating that they will be made public after next of kin are notified.
Context and safety considerations
Cape Newenham Airport is a military‑controlled airstrip that only permits military and approved charter flights. The remote location and harsh weather conditions typical of western Alaska make aviation operations especially challenging. Federal and military agencies continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
This tragedy underscores the risks faced by aviation professionals who support critical national defense infrastructure in remote regions. The community, military families, and state officials are urged to keep the families of the victims in their thoughts as the investigation unfolds.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
