SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- A civilian-contracted aircraft carrying eight people crashed Thursday at a remote radar site airport in western Alaska, killing all on board, the U.S. military said.
The crash occurred at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, about 725 km west of Anchorage, according to a statement from Alaskan Command.
The statement referred to the aircraft as a "civilian-contracted aircraft" but did not provide details about the work being performed by those on board.
Clint Johnson, Alaska region chief of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said two pilots and six passengers were on board the aircraft, which took off from Anchorage and was believed to have crashed early Thursday afternoon while approaching Cape Newenham.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, said those aboard were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment, adding that supporting their families, friends and teammates was the priority.
The Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site is managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center and is part of a network of remote radar sites used to track aircraft operating in Alaska's airspace and along its borders.
The NTSB is investigating the crash. ■