Federal investigators said the Cessna 441 crashed during its second landing attempt near the Cape Newenham radar site in deteriorating weather.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Eight people were killed Aug. 20 when a charter plane crashed near a remote military radar site in western Alaska during a second attempt to land in poor visibility, according to federal investigators and the U.S. military.
The twin-engine Cessna 441 was operated by Anchorage-based Security Aviation and had been chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a flight from Anchorage to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site. The National Transportation Safety Board said two pilots and six passengers were aboard. Two passengers were Army Corps employees and four were contractors. Authorities had not publicly identified those killed as of Aug. 22.
The aircraft departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at about 9:15 a.m., NTSB Alaska region chief Clint Johnson said during a briefing. Investigators said the aircraft made one approach to Cape Newenham but did not land. It then began a second approach before crashing at about 11:45 a.m. The wreckage was found roughly a quarter-mile west of the runway in steep, rising terrain.
Early information from the Federal Aviation Administration placed the crash at about 12:15 p.m. Investigators often refine times during the early stages of an accident inquiry as they compare radar data, air traffic control records and other information. The NTSB’s later account placed the crash at approximately 11:45 a.m.
Weather conditions worsened as the aircraft approached Cape Newenham, according to information reviewed by investigators. Johnson said the pilots were operating under instrument conditions because they could not rely on outside visual references. Fog, mist and low cloud cover were reported in the area. Investigators have not determined that weather caused the accident, and no probable cause has been announced.
The Cape Newenham airport serves a remote long-range radar installation approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage. The site is part of a network used to track aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and near its borders. The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center manages the installation, where aircraft are an important means of moving workers, contractors, equipment and supplies.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed that two of its employees were among those killed. Military officials said the passengers were traveling to support work at the remote installation. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, described the deaths as a major loss for the military community and said support for the victims’ families and colleagues was a priority.
Security Aviation said it was heartbroken by the accident and was cooperating with investigators. Federal officials have not accused the company, its pilots or any other person of wrongdoing. Investigators also have not said whether a mechanical problem, pilot actions, weather conditions or another factor played a role in the crash.
The remote location has complicated the investigation and recovery effort. The NTSB said a team of investigators was being sent to the site, where steep terrain and limited access were expected to require helicopter support. Investigators planned to document the debris field, examine aircraft components and review radar information, weather data and air traffic control communications.
Personnel who reached the crash area confirmed there were no survivors. The response involved military and civilian agencies, including federal aviation investigators and search-and-recovery personnel. Officials have not announced when the identities of the two pilots and six passengers will be made public.
The NTSB investigation remains underway. Investigators are expected to establish a more detailed sequence of the flight and examine the aircraft, weather, crew actions and other possible factors before issuing conclusions about the probable cause, a process that can extend well beyond the initial on-site investigation.
Author note: Last updated August 22, 2026.