A small aircraft that went missing earlier this week in Alaska has been found, but tragically, there are no expected survivors. The Cessna Caravan plane, operated by Bering Air, disappeared from flight radar on Thursday, 6 February, during a flight in the western region of the state.
The plane had departed from Unalakleet that afternoon and was en route to Nome. However, at around 4 p.m., the aircraft’s radio communication cut out, prompting authorities to report it as missing and launch a search and rescue operation.
A member of Nome’s volunteer fire department revealed that the pilot had earlier informed air traffic controllers that the flight had entered a “holding pattern” while waiting for clearance to land.
Unfortunately, wreckage from the plane was later discovered approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, with no signs of survivors.
On Friday, 7 February, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the crash site and the status of the 10 people onboard.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Coast Guard wrote: “#USCG has ended its search for the missing plane after the aircraft was located approx. 34 miles southeast of Nome. Three individuals were found inside and reported to be deceased. The remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane. Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident.”
The aircraft, a commuter plane, was carrying nine passengers and one pilot. In a press release, the Coast Guard added that the severity of the wreckage made survival impossible.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences and praised the efforts of the rescue teams. She wrote on social media: “My heart is broken over the news out of Nome. Alaska is a big small town. When tragedy strikes, we’re never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted. But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal. We are deeply grateful to the Alaska National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department, the Alaska State Troopers, and all those who braved dangerous conditions to conduct the search for the downed aircraft. All of Alaska is praying for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones, for the Bering Air family, and the communities of Unalakleet and Nome.”
The crash has left the communities of Unalakleet and Nome in mourning, as they come to terms with the loss of those onboard. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and risks associated with air travel in Alaska’s vast and often harsh terrain.
