Search Underway for Missing Plane Carrying 10 People Along Alaska’s Western Coast
Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Harsh Weather Conditions
Rescuers are searching for a missing plane that disappeared while carrying 10 people across Alaska’s Norton Sound, south of the Arctic Circle.
The Bering Air Caravan, a single-engine turboprop, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome on Thursday afternoon when it lost contact, according to Alaska’s Department of Public Safety. Authorities are working to determine the aircraft’s last known coordinates.
Flight Details & Last Known Position
- Aircraft: Cessna Caravan (operating at full passenger capacity)
- Departure: Unalakleet, 2:37 p.m. (Thursday)
- Last Contact: Less than an hour after takeoff
- Location at Last Contact: 12 miles (19 kilometers) offshore in Norton Sound
David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air, stated that their team is actively working to gather details and coordinate emergency assistance for search and rescue operations.
Challenging Search Conditions
- Weather: Light snow, fog, and 17°F (-8.3°C) at the time of departure
- Search Efforts:
- Ground teams are canvassing areas from Nome to Topkok
- Air search is limited due to poor visibility
- U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and state troopers are assisting
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department urged people not to conduct independent searches due to dangerous weather conditions.
Significance of Air Travel in Rural Alaska
Airplanes are often the only transportation option for long distances in Alaska’s remote regions, especially in winter. Bering Air serves 32 villages in western Alaska, with scheduled flights from Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet.
Broader Aviation Concerns
This disappearance marks the third major U.S. aviation incident in eight days:
- Jan. 29: A commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collision near Washington, D.C., killed 67 people.
- Jan. 31: A medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing seven.
Community & Government Response
- Alaska’s U.S. Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, shared statements on X, offering prayers for the passengers, families, and rescuers.
- U.S. Rep. Nicholas Begich expressed readiness to assist Nome and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy in any way possible.
About Nome
Nome, a historic Gold Rush town, is just south of the Arctic Circle and is best known as the finishing point of the 1,000-mile (1,610-kilometer) Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those on board. The search continues as rescue teams push forward despite harsh conditions.
