NTSB and Alaskan Command Investigate Fatal Charter Aircraft Crash at Remote Radar Site

ANCHORAGE, AK — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. military’s Alaskan Command confirmed early Friday morning the launch of an on-site aviation safety investigation into the crash of a twin-engine Cessna 441 Conquest II charter aircraft at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage.

Aircraft Incident and Military Search and Recovery

According to incident logs released by the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the commercial charter flight operated by Security Aviation was transporting civilian contractors and two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel to support perimeter sensor maintenance at the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center installation. The aircraft crashed on final approach to the remote coastal airstrip amid heavy fog and low visibility, resulting in eight fatalities, including two commercial flight crew members.

Alaskan Command Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Davis and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski released statements expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for the dedicated defense professionals lost in the line of duty.

Airfield Infrastructure and Forensic Analysis

NTSB Alaska Region air safety investigators will document the crash site, examine terrain impact marks, and analyze the cockpit flight data recorder and engine turbine components.

Aviation meteorologists noted that coastal maritime fog and sudden wind shear frequently create challenging visual landing conditions at un-towered Arctic and Bering Sea airfields.

Preliminary Safety Findings Timeline

The NTSB will publish an initial factual occurrence brief within 14 days, followed by a full engineering report on flight instruments and approach navigation systems.