ANCHORAGE, ALASKA: A Bering Air commuter plane carrying 10 people that went missing while en route to Nome was discovered crashed on sea ice off Alaska’s western coast, authorities confirmed on Friday. Tragically, all nine passengers and the pilot were killed.
The U.S. Coast Guard located the wreckage of the Cessna Caravan during an aerial search near its last known position—approximately 12 miles offshore and 30 miles southeast of Nome. Two rescue swimmers were deployed to examine the site.
What We Know So Far
- Flight Details: The aircraft, a single-engine turboprop, was at full capacity and departed from Unalakleet at 2:37 PM (local time) on Thursday as part of a regularly scheduled commuter service.
- Crash Timeline: Radar data from the U.S. Civil Air Patrol indicated the plane rapidly lost altitude and speed around 3:18 PM, though the cause remains unknown.
- Weather Conditions: At the time of the crash, the National Weather Service reported light snow, fog, and temperatures around 17°F (-8.3°C). Western Alaska’s unpredictable snow squalls and high winds often pose challenges for small aircraft.
- Search Efforts: Local, state, and federal agencies, including Bering Air aircraft, participated in the search. The Coast Guard’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter spotted the wreckage and deployed divers for assessment.
- Emergency Locator: Authorities have not confirmed whether the plane’s emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was activated. The device, designed to send distress signals upon impact or water exposure, did not transmit any alerts.
Community and Government Response
Nome, a historic Gold Rush town and the final stop of the Iditarod sled dog race, is mourning the tragedy. Prayer vigils have been planned to honor the victims and their families.
Alaska’s U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Representative Nick Begich, expressed condolences. Begich stated on social media that he was ready to assist Governor Mike Dunleavy in supporting Nome and affected families.
Aviation Risks in Alaska
With many remote communities lacking road access, air travel is essential in Alaska. However, the region’s harsh winters and rugged terrain significantly increase aviation risks.
Bering Air, which operates from Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet, serves 32 villages, typically running twice-daily flights to most destinations.
Third Major U.S. Aviation Mishap in 8 Days
The Alaska crash marks the third major aviation accident in the U.S. within a week:
- January 29: A commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
- January 31: A medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing six passengers and one person on the ground.
Investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.
