Charter plane carrying 8 crashes in western Alaska, federal officials say

A charter plane carrying eight people crashed Thursday near a remote radar site in western Alaska, federal authorities said. 

Clint Johnson, the National Transportation Safety Board's Alaska region chief, said two pilots and six passengers were on board. He did not immediately have details on their status.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a separate statement that the Cessna 441 departed Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was headed to Cape Newenham when it crashed west of Cape Newenham LRRS Airport at 12:15 p.m. local time. The FAA also reported that there were eight people aboard. 

The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center said it launched a search and rescue mission after receiving a report of an "aircraft incident" near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site. It said additional information would be released as it became available and did not respond to questions.

The FAA said the NTSB would lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA assisting.