ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Eight people lost their lives on Thursday when a civilian-contracted charter plane crashed near a remote military radar installation in western Alaska, according to statements from aviation authorities and the U.S. military’s Alaskan Command.

The aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna 441 Conquest operated by Anchorage-based charter company Security Aviation, departed from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport bound for the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site (LRRS) Airport. The flight crashed at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time (2015 GMT) just west of its destination airstrip, located about 450 miles southwest of Anchorage.

The aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers. Among those on board were personnel chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Emergency response and search-and-recovery teams dispatched to the rugged terrain confirmed that there were no survivors.

The Cape Newenham installation is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Centre and operates as part of an essential defence network monitoring air traffic across Alaska’s airspace and along North American borders. Access to the facility’s airport is strictly restricted, requiring prior authorization for non-military aircraft due to its remote, secure nature.

"This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command. Davis commended the victims as dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment and extended condolences to the families involved. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski also expressed her sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the swift response of emergency teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Centre.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).