Military Plane Crash Kills Four in Alaska

A C-17 Cargo plane crashed last night carrying four US airmen. All four members of the crew were confirmed dead today. The plane crashed during a training mission at the Elmendorf base in Alaska.

The AFP reports that the plane crashed in a wooded area just two miles from the runway where it took off.

“Yesterday, we lost four members of our Arctic Warrior family and it’s a loss felt across our entire joint installation,” said Colonel John McMullen, 3rd Wing commander. “Right now our immediate focus is on providing all possible support to the loved ones of our fallen aviators. We are also engaged in a deliberate investigative process.”

The identities of the four soldiers are currently being withheld and until their next of kin are officially notified. Three of the soldiers were from the Alaska National Guard, the other was on active duty.

This weekend is the Elmendorf base’s Arctic Thunder Air Show. It is not clear if the C-17 cargo plane that crashed was going to be part of the show or not.

No announcement has been made as to whether or not the Arctic Thunder Air Show will continue.

Alaska’s Governor, Sean Parnell, released this statement.

“Alaskans are very connected to the military and our thoughts and prayers are with Alaska’s Air Force family.”