Janice R. Andrews
Search teams have located the wreckage of a Bering Air Cessna Caravan that went missing in Alaska, confirming the deaths of all 10 occupants. The aircraft was discovered on sea ice approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, which had been its destination.
The aircraft, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, lost communication at 3:16 p.m. Thursday while traversing Norton Sound in the Bering Sea. Severe weather conditions severely hampered search operations, which involved coordinated efforts from the Coast Guard, Air Force, and FBI. The wreckage was finally located at 6:17 p.m. Friday.
Rescue teams battled challenging weather conditions throughout the search. White Mountain Fire Chief Jack Adams noted the extreme difficulties: “All aircraft are grounded due to zero visibility. Searching in these conditions, whether from air or ground, especially in darkness, is extremely challenging.”
Response efforts included a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter deployment and ground teams from Nome and White Mountain, who covered a 30-mile search area despite fog, snow, and minimal visibility.
This incident follows two other recent U.S. aviation disasters: an American Airlines crash near Washington, D.C. on January 29 that claimed 67 lives, and a Philadelphia medical transport plane accident two days later that resulted in seven fatalities.
Officials have yet to release the identities of those aboard the Bering Air flight, while Nome area hospitals remain prepared as the investigation continues.
