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USACE identifies employees involved in fatal plane crash

USACE - Alaska District
Published Aug. 24, 2026
Updated: Aug. 24, 2026

Sabrina Hansen and Hayden Scalis, both of Anchorage, were identified as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District employees killed in a plane crash in Western Alaska.

Both serving within the district’s Engineering Division, Hansen worked as a fire protection engineer and Scalis as a mechanical engineer. They were on official duty conducting a routine project site visit in support of the U.S. Air Force.

“We mourn the tragic loss of our selfless teammates. They were public servants and true professionals, dedicated to securing our nation,” said Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, 56th Chief of Engineers and USACE commanding general. “Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues during this time of immeasurable loss.”

“Our district family carries a heavy burden with the loss of our colleagues, Sabrina and Hayden,” said Col. Victor Trujillo II, Alaska District commander. “We will continue to support and mourn alongside their families, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy.”

The USACE-chartered flight with Security Aviation crashed at Cape Newenham on Aug. 20 with eight personnel on board. The nature of their mission at the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site was to inspect and perform maintenance on a new fire suppression system.

The crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The Alaska State Troopers will release the names of the non-Department of War affiliated persons.

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Contact
John Budnik
907-753-2615
public.affairs3@usace.army.mil

Release no. 26-014