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Security Aviation identifies pilots in Southwest Alaska crash that killed 8

The pilots who died alongside six passengers when the plane they were flying crashed while attempting to land at a remote Southwest Alaska radar site last month were identified Friday by the company operating the aircraft. Anchorage-based Security Aviation said in a statement that Dave Furber, the flight’s captain, and first officer Sergei Zelenkov II were piloting a twin-engine Cessna Conquest that hit mountainous terrain in foggy conditions Aug. 20 as it tried to land at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. All eight aboard the plane died in the fiery crash. The company was contracted by the U.S.

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Scoop News DeskSouthwest Alaska · Published Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9:19 AM UTCUpdated Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 5:17 PM UTC

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Furber, 73, was from Anchorage while the 34-year-old Zelenkov resided in Chugiak, according to the company’s statement. “Security Aviation continues to mourn the tragic loss of Captain Furber and First Officer Zelenkov, and extends our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said in its statement. “Both pilots were skilled, experienced members of the company’s flight team and beloved members of Alaska’s aviation community.” All eight killed in the crash have now been identified by their employers.

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Dated changes to this report are shown here as they are published.

Version 2unpublished
Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 7:29 AM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy
Version 3published
Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 9:03 AM UTC
The pilots who died alongside six passengers when the plane they were flying crashed while attempting to land at a remote Southwest Alaska radar site last month were identified Friday by the company operating the aircraft. Anchorage-based Security Aviation said in a statement that Dave Furber, the flight’s captain, and first officer Sergei Zelenkov II were piloting a twin-engine Cessna Conquest that hit mountainous terrain in foggy conditions Aug. 20 as it tried to land at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport. All eight aboard the plane died in the fiery crash. The company was contracted by the U.S.
Version 4unpublished
Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 5:17 PM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy