A small passenger plane operated by Bering Air has gone missing in Alaska, carrying nine passengers and one pilot. The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, departed from Unalakleet Airport at 2:37 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, heading to Nome Airport. The flight was expected to take less than an hour. However, contact was lost approximately 12 miles offshore over Norton Sound around 3:16 p.m
The disappearance has prompted a significant search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and local volunteer fire departments are all participating in the efforts. Search teams are facing challenging weather conditions, including light snow, fog, and temperatures around 17 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 8.3 degrees Celsius). These factors have limited aerial search capabilities, leading to a focus on ground searches along Alaska’s western coast, from Nome to Topkok.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department has advised against forming independent search parties due to the hazardous weather and visibility issues. They have emphasized the importance of safety and are coordinating efforts with official agencies. Norton Sound Health Corporation has prepared to respond to any medical emergencies and has established a family center at the regional hospital for relatives of the passengers.
The identities of those on board have not been released, and the cause of the disappearance remains unknown. This incident marks the third major aviation event in the United States within an eight-day span, following two previous accidents that resulted in significant fatalities.
Bering Air, the operator of the missing plane, is a regional airline serving 32 villages in western Alaska from hubs in Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet. Air travel is a vital mode of transportation in rural Alaska, especially during winter months when other routes may be impassable.
Alaska’s U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, have expressed their concern and support for the affected communities. They have extended their thoughts and prayers to the passengers, their families, and the rescue teams involved in the search efforts.
Source – apnews.com
As the search continues, authorities are working diligently to locate the missing aircraft and provide updates to the public. The combination of challenging weather conditions and the remote location has made the operation particularly difficult. The community remains hopeful for a positive outcome as rescue teams persist in their efforts.
This situation highlights the inherent risks associated with air travel in Alaska’s rugged and often unforgiving environment. The reliance on air transportation in these regions underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the need for effective emergency response protocols. The outcome of this incident may prompt further discussions on aviation safety in remote areas.
The story is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the search and rescue operation. The focus remains on locating the missing plane and ensuring the safety of those on board.
