A missing commuter aircraft carrying 10 people was found crashed in Alaska on Friday, with no survivors expected, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bering Air Cessna Caravan disappeared Thursday afternoon while en route from Unalakleet to Nome, a roughly 140-mile journey across the frozen Norton Sound.
The wreckage was located approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, where two rescue swimmers confirmed the presence of three bodies inside the aircraft. Seven others who were on the plane "are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane," the Coast Guard said in an update on X. "Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident."
Radar analysis indicated that the aircraft "experienced some kind of event which caused them to experience a rapid loss in elevation and a rapid loss in speed" around 3:18 p.m. local time on Thursday, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble said.
The flight, operated by Nome-based Bering Air, departed Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m. with nine passengers and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft vanished from radar approximately 12 miles offshore. Poor weather conditions, including snow and freezing drizzle, hampered initial search efforts by the Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force C-130 crews.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences, stating, "Rose and I are heartbroken by the loss of the 10 people on the Bering Air flight. Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy." The Nome Volunteer Fire Department said it activated its search and rescue team with assistance from the Alaska National Guard to aid in the recovery effort.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, The Federal Aviation Administration “is providing an investigator from the Aviation Safety Office of Accident and Prevention," as well as local support from FAA's aviation safety inspectors.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said, "My heart is broken over the news out of Nome. Alaska is a big small town. When tragedy strikes, we're never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted. But that also means we come together as a community to grieve and heal."
A photo shared by the Coast Guard shows the aircraft broken into pieces in a snowy terrain. "Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident," the USCG said on X.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that all families of the victims have been notified but has not yet released the names of the passengers. Authorities urged the public not to attempt their own search efforts due to extreme weather and safety risks.
Bering Air, which has operated in Alaska since 1979, serves more than 30 remote communities in the region. "Staff at Bering Air is working hard to gather details, get emergency assistance, search and rescue going," said David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air.
Officials continue to monitor ice movement in the area, with the Coast Guard planning to drop a buoy in the water to track potential debris. The Norton Sound Regional Hospital has set up a family center for relatives awaiting updates.
The FAA and NTSB will conduct a detailed examination of the aircraft's wreckage once it is recovered. Investigators will look into weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot communications to determine what led to the fatal crash.
