Rescue crews are scouring Alaskan waters in harsh weather conditions after a regional airline flight carrying 10 people vanished, according to state and local officials.
Plane Disappears En Route to Nome
The missing aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Bering Air, was traveling from Unalakleet to Nome—two western Alaskan cities separated by Norton Sound. The Alaska State Troopers reported that they were alerted around 4 p.m. Thursday about an overdue flight carrying nine passengers and a pilot.
Challenging Search Conditions
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department launched ground searches in Nome and White Mountain but faced severe limitations in aerial operations due to poor weather and low visibility. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force joined the search efforts, deploying flights to locate the aircraft.
Nome-based Bering Air, which services over 30 local communities, confirmed it was working closely with emergency responders to gather information and coordinate rescue efforts.
Last Known Location and Weather Challenges
According to FlightRadar24, the missing plane was last recorded over Norton Sound at 3:16 p.m., approximately 12 miles offshore, before losing contact.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department noted that the pilot had informed air traffic control of plans to hold in a pattern while waiting for a runway to be cleared. However, challenging weather conditions near Nome Airport—including light snow, freezing drizzle, and visibility down to half a mile—posed significant risks. Winds were forecasted to gust up to 35 mph overnight.
CNN aviation analyst Miles O’Brien highlighted the dangers of ice buildup on the aircraft’s wings, which could cause a stall and crash. However, he pointed out that some sea ice in the area might be thick enough to support the plane, offering a glimmer of hope for search teams.
FBI Assists with Technical Resources
The FBI is assisting in the search, using its technical expertise to geolocate cell phones belonging to passengers. The bureau has specialized personnel trained to analyze cell tower data, which could help pinpoint the plane’s last recorded position.
Intensive Search Efforts
A Coast Guard HC-130 aircraft was seen searching near the plane’s last known location Thursday evening, utilizing specialized search-and-rescue equipment designed to detect objects and people even in zero-visibility conditions.
The National Guard and the Air Force also deployed C-130 aircraft for the search. However, as of 12:30 a.m. Friday, no sightings of the missing plane had been reported.
Emergency Response and Community Support
Bering Air’s Director of Operations, David Olson, stated that their team is actively involved in search-and-rescue efforts, according to the Associated Press.
Local hospitals, including Norton Sound Health Corp. are on standby to respond to a potential medical emergency. The Norton Sound Regional Hospital has also established a family center** to provide support for relatives of the missing passengers as they await updates.
Officials Express Concern
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan addressed the situation, stating:
“We are hearing reports of a possible missing plane en route to Nome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families, and the rescue crew.”
Amid Increased Air Safety Scrutiny
This search comes as U.S. air safety faces heightened scrutiny following two fatal aviation incidents last week:
1. The January 29 midair collision between a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people.
2. The January 31 crash of a medevac jet in Philadelphia, resulting in seven fatalities.
Authorities remain focused on locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board.
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