JUNEAU, Alaska – A small commuter plane en route to Nome, Alaska, was found crashed on sea ice, with all 10 individuals on board confirmed dead, authorities said Friday. The tragic accident marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the state in decades.
Discovery of the Wreckage
The Bering Air-operated Cessna Caravan departed from Unalakleet on Thursday afternoon with nine passengers and a pilot. Contact with the aircraft was lost less than an hour into the flight, prompting a widespread search effort. The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to the last known location of the aircraft, approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome.
During the search, rescuers spotted the wreckage on the frozen sea. Two rescue swimmers were deployed to the site, confirming the devastating loss. Aerial photos released by the Coast Guard showed the splintered remains of the plane scattered across the ice, with emergency personnel surveying the wreckage.
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
Radar forensic data provided by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol revealed that at approximately 3:18 p.m., the aircraft experienced a sudden and rapid loss of altitude and speed. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble stated that the cause of the event remains unknown. There were no reported distress signals from the aircraft, and its emergency locating transmitter did not activate, suggesting that it may not have been exposed to seawater upon impact.
Weather conditions at the time included light snow, fog, and temperatures around 17 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service. Investigators are now examining whether weather played a role in the incident.
Response and Recovery Efforts
The search operation involved local, state, and federal agencies, with responders combing ice-covered waters and frozen tundra in hopes of locating the aircraft. Unfortunately, upon discovery, it became clear that there were no survivors. Authorities are now working on recovery efforts, which are complicated by the remote location and unstable ice.
All victims were adults, and the flight was a routine commuter service between Unalakleet and Nome. The Alaska State Troopers, National Transportation Safety Board, and Federal Aviation Administration have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Aviation Tragedy in Alaska
Alaska, known for its challenging flying conditions, has seen its share of aviation accidents, but this crash ranks among the deadliest in recent history. The loss of life has sent shockwaves through the close-knit communities that rely on small aircraft for essential travel.
Bering Air has yet to release a statement regarding the tragedy. Families of the victims are being notified as authorities work to piece together the final moments of the ill-fated flight.
As the investigation unfolds, officials will continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the crash and whether safety improvements can help prevent future tragedies in Alaska’s rugged skies.
