By Alaskan Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — A civilian-contracted aircraft carrying eight personnel crashed at Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, approximately 450 miles west-southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2026.

Supported by an HC-130J Combat King II, an Alaska Air National Guard HH-60W Jolly Green II landed near the crash site, where Guardian Angel personnel from the 212th Rescue Squadron confirmed there were no survivors. The names of the passengers and crew will be released 24 hours after notification of next of kin.

“This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Eleventh Air Force. “These individuals were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment. Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time. We are profoundly grateful for the swift and tireless response of our search and recovery professionals.”

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 that track aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders. The center manages 21 installations across the Pacific, with long-range radar sites primarily operated by contracted personnel.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Aircraft incident near Cape Newenham

By Alaskan Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center has opened a search and rescue mission Aug. 20 in response to a Federal Aviation Administration alert notification regarding an aircraft incident near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site (LRRS).

Search and rescue forces are on scene. The incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

For more info, contact Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Force Public Affairs at 907-552-2341 or by emailing v3alcom.pa@us.af.mil.