The U.S. military has identified the servicemember killed in a plane crash in western Alaska as 2nd Lieutenant Leah R. Borsich. Aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. The incident involved a Cessna 441 charter aircraft last Thursday.
Borsich, aged 23, worked as a project programmer with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. This information was shared in a Monday statement by U.S. forces in Alaska.
The tragic crash resulted in the deaths of eight people near Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. The remote base is operated by the U.S. Air Force and located approximately 450 miles from Anchorage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had chartered the aircraft, which carried two pilots and six passengers. Among the passengers were two Corps of Engineers employees.
“They were dedicated professionals carrying out a vital mission in a demanding environment,” stated the top U.S. commander in Alaska, though the purpose of the flight was not disclosed.
Cape Newenham, positioned on the Bering Sea, is one of several radar stations scanning for incoming threats to North America. These include missiles or aircraft. The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center oversees such installations from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, which also hosts the U.S. 11th Air Force’s headquarters.
Colonel Timothy Meerstein praised Borsich as a “positive leader” who energized and brought enthusiasm to her command. “She led with professionalism, compassion, and purpose. Her contributions strengthened the bonds between her colleagues,” Meerstein commented.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an inspection of the crash site on Sunday. They released images depicting the charred aircraft remains near the base’s runway. The NTSB plans to release initial findings on the crash soon, with a detailed report expected within two years.
This situation remains under development and details may change.