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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade

NTSB investigates fatal Cessna crash at Cape Newenham military radar site

A twin-engine Cessna 441 crashed while attempting a second landing in heavy fog at a remote military radar site in western Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board. The flight, operated by Security Aviation, was carrying U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel and contractors to the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site when it lost contact midday Thursday.

aviation safetymilitary operationstransportation accidentsAlaska
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Why It Matters

The crash resulted in the loss of eight lives and has prompted an NTSB investigation into aviation safety protocols at remote military-managed airstrips in Alaska.

Key Facts

  • Eight people died in the crash of a twin-engine Cessna 441.
  • The crash occurred midday Thursday at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in western Alaska.
  • The aircraft was on its second landing attempt when it lost contact.
  • Visibility dropped to less than one-quarter mile (0.40 km) shortly after the crash.
  • The flight was operated by Anchorage-based charter company Security Aviation.
  • Passengers included two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees and four contractors.
  • The site is a private military facility managed by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center.
  • The radar site was originally built in the 1950s for Cold War missile detection.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCalista Corp.“Parent company of contractors involved”other0.40“Visibility in kilometers”personRobert Davis“U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen.”organizationU.S. Army Corps of Engineers“Employer of two victims”other441“Cessna model number”organizationSecurity Aviation“Charter company operating the flight”locationCape Newenham“Site of the crash”personMike O’Donnell“Former FAA official”personCarrie Haisley“National Weather Service meteorologist”personClint Johnson“NTSB Alaska region chief”organizationNational Transportation Safety Board“Investigating the crash”