A tragic plane crash in western Alaska has claimed the lives of all 10 people on board, including nine passengers and a pilot, after a Bering Air Cessna Caravan went down while traveling from Unalakleet to Nome on Thursday.

The small commuter plane, operating at full capacity, took off at 2:37 p.m. before losing contact with air traffic controllers less than an hour later. The wreckage was discovered on sea ice, approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome and 12 miles offshore, by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on Friday.

Harsh Weather Conditions Played a Role

Alaska’s severe winter weather is being examined as a possible factor in the aviation accident. At the time of the flight, the region experienced light snow, fog, and freezing temperatures of about 17°F (-8.3°C). However, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Radar data from 3:18 p.m. showed a sudden drop in altitude and speed, but no distress signal was received from the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter, which typically alerts authorities when submerged in water.

Aviation Tragedy in Remote Alaska

This incident marks the third major aviation accident in the United States within eight days, following:

• A commercial jetliner colliding with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C.
• A medical plane crash in Philadelphia.

The National Guard, local agencies, and state officials were mobilized to assist with search and recovery efforts, scouring the frozen tundra and icy waters for any survivors.

As of Friday, Bering Air had two planes conducting aerial searches, while local officials coordinated rescue operations. The small Unalakleet community, with just 690 residents, heavily relies on air travel, making this loss particularly devastating.

Remembering the Victims

The Alaskan community is mourning the tragic loss of life, with vigils scheduled for Friday evening. State officials and local leaders have expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed in the crash and to the search teams who worked tirelessly in the dangerous conditions.

The aviation accident serves as a reminder of the dangers of flying in Alaska’s extreme weather, where air travel is often the only means of transportation for remote communities, especially during the harsh winter months.

Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), continue to investigate the cause of the Bering Air crash, focusing on weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and pilot communications.

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