The U.S. military has identified 2nd Lieutenant Leah R. Borsich as one of the victims of a recent plane crash in western Alaska. Aviation authorities are looking into the cause of this fatal crash.
Borsich, 23, served as a project programmer with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. Her identity was confirmed by U.S. forces based in Alaska in a statement issued on Monday.
Eight individuals lost their lives on Thursday when a Cessna 441 charter aircraft, contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, crashed while approaching Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. This location serves as a remote base operated by the U.S. Air Force, approximately 450 miles west of Anchorage.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers disclosed that two of its employees were among the victims. The crew on this ill-fated flight consisted of two pilots, with the remaining six being passengers, as stated by Clint Johnson, the Alaska chief for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This government agency carries the responsibility for probing civil transportation accidents.
The mission’s specific purpose remains undisclosed. However, the top U.S. commander in Alaska underscored the importance of those aboard, characterizing them as committed professionals engaged in a crucial mission in challenging conditions.
Cape Newenham operates as part of a radar network spread across Canada and Alaska. It aims to detect incoming threats, such as missiles or aircraft, targeting North America. The Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center manages these radar stations, also located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the headquarters of the U.S. 11th Air Force.
Colonel Timothy Meerstein, commander of the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center, praised Borsich as a “positive leader” who infused energy and enthusiasm into the command. He emphasized her professionalism, compassion, and purposeful leadership, which strengthened community bonds.
“She made a lasting impact on our team, and we are grateful for her service and commitment to our nation,” Meerstein noted.
NTSB investigators arrived at the crash site on Sunday to document the scene and examine the wreckage. The agency released a photograph of personnel inspecting the burnt-out remnants of the aircraft, with what seems to be the base’s runway in the distance.
The NTSB plans to release its preliminary findings on the crash within three weeks. The complete report on the probable cause of the accident is expected in two years.
This news story will be updated as more information emerges.
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