A charter aircraft with eight people aboard went down Thursday as it neared a remote destination in western Alaska, according to officials.
Clint Johnson, who leads the National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska region, confirmed to The Associated Press that the flight was carrying two pilots and six passengers.
Authorities had not immediately released details about the condition of those on board.
The plane had departed Anchorage and is believed to have crashed early Thursday afternoon while on approach to Cape Newenham, the AP reported.
A charter plane carrying two pilots and six passengers crashed Thursday while approaching Cape Newenham in western Alaska, triggering a search-and-rescue operation. (Hasan Akbas/Anadolu)
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The twin-engine Cessna was operated by Security Aviation and had been chartered for the trip from Anchorage to Cape Newenham, an area roughly 40 miles south of Goodnews Bay, according to KTUU.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center said crews began a search-and-rescue response after receiving a report of an “aircraft incident” near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, addressed the Alaska plane crash on X, sharing condolences and noting that she has personally flown with Security Aviation in the past.
“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” Murkowski wrote. “I’ve traveled extensively with Security Aviation throughout Alaska, and have met many of their experienced pilots.”
“I appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, Alaska State Troopers, and the Rescue Coordination Center for responding to the site,” she continued. “Alaska is praying for those on board, their loved ones, and the team at Security Aviation.”
Fox News has reached out to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center for additional information.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
