A charter plane crashed in Alaska on Aug. 20, killing two pilots and six passengers
Credit: Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2); Air Force ROTC Detachment 643
NEED TO KNOW
- Three victims have been identified in an Alaskan plane crash that left eight people dead
- The crash occurred at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, 450 miles west of Anchorage
- “They were public servants and true professionals, dedicated to securing our nation,” officials said of the victims
Three of eight victims who died after their charter plane crashed in a remote spot in Alaska have been identified.
On Monday, Aug. 24, Army Corps of Engineers employees Sabrina Hansen and Hayden Scalis, alongside U.S. Air Force 2nd. Lt. Leah Borsich, a 23-year-old project programmer for the 611th Civil Division, were named as the Anchorage residents who died on Thursday, Aug. 20, Anchorage Daily News reported, citing agency and military officials.
The crash took place at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, which is around 450 miles west of Anchorage, the Associated Press previously reported. The plane had attempted to land in heavy fog conditions, per Anchorage Daily News.
PEOPLE reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
“We mourn the tragic loss of our selfless teammates. They were public servants and true professionals, dedicated to securing our nation,” Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, 56th Chief of Engineers and USACE commanding general, said in an emailed statement, per Anchorage Daily News. “Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues during this time of immeasurable loss.”
The three had been traveling to perform routine maintenance and inspection of a new fire suppression system, the local news outlet reported.
“Lt. Borsich was a positive leader who brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to our command,” U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Meerstein, commander of Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, said in a statement.
“She led with professionalism, compassion and purpose, and her presence strengthened the bonds between the people around her. She made a lasting impact on our team, and we are grateful for her service and commitment to our nation,” Meerstein said of Borsich, adding that all of the victims would be honored.
Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a media briefing that the agency would be investigating the crash, which included two pilots and six passengers.
Credit: NTSB
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis previously called the crash a “devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” according to NBC News.
“These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” said Davis, who specified the plane was a “civilian-contracted aircraft.”
“Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time,” he added.
It remains unclear what work the team was carrying out, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers previously said it chartered the plane and that two of its employees were among those killed in the crash, according to KTUU-TV.
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“I join Alaskans in condolences as we learn of the plane crash in Cape Newenham today,” Alaskan Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a previous statement. “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.”
Added Alaskan Rep. Nick Begich: “This is incredibly difficult news for many Alaskans, especially those in our close-knit aviation community.”
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