The U.S. military has identified 2nd Lieutenant Leah R. Borsich as the servicemember killed in a plane crash in western Alaska. The incident occurred last week and aviation authorities are investigating the cause.
Borsich, aged 23, served as a project programmer with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. This information was released in a statement by U.S. forces based in Alaska on Monday.
Eight individuals lost their lives on Thursday when a Cessna 441 charter aircraft crashed while approaching Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. This location is a U.S. Air Force-operated base situated around 450 miles west of Anchorage.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was responsible for chartering the aircraft. Two of their employees were among the deceased. Clint Johnson, Alaska chief for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that there were two pilots and six passengers onboard.
The specific purpose of the flight remains undisclosed. The top U.S. commander in Alaska emphasized that those onboard were committed professionals undertaking a crucial mission in challenging conditions.
Cape Newenham serves as part of a radar station network spanning Canada and Alaska. These stations detect potential threats, such as missiles or aircraft, approaching North America. The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson alongside the headquarters of the U.S. 11th Air Force, manages these stations.
Colonel Timothy Meerstein, commander of Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, praised Borsich as a positive leader who energized and inspired her command with professionalism and compassion. He highlighted her lasting impact and service.
NTSB investigators visited the crash site on Sunday to examine the wreckage and record the scene. An image published by the NTSB shows an employee near the aircraft’s burnt remains, with the base’s runway in view.
The NTSB plans to release initial findings about the crash within three weeks, followed by a comprehensive report on its likely cause within two years.
This story is developing and updates will follow.