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NOME- A missing Bering Air (8E) plane was crashed southeast of Nome, Alaska, with all 10 people aboard presumed dead.
The aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, rapidly lost altitude and speed before disappearing from radar. Search efforts faced poor weather conditions but ultimately located the wreckage.
Photo: By Quintin Soloviev – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69073114Missing Bering Air Plane Crashed
The US Coast Guard discovered the wreckage approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome. A rescue team deployed two swimmers who confirmed three visible fatalities inside the aircraft.
Due to the extent of the damage, the remaining seven occupants were presumed dead but not immediately accessible.
The crash site was heavily damaged, with debris scattered across snow-covered terrain. The turboprop aircraft was en route from Unalakleet (UNK) to Nome (OME) when it lost contact.
FlightRadar24 data indicated the last recorded position was offshore, 38 minutes into its journey.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety reported the plane missing on Thursday afternoon.
Search efforts included ground crews from Nome to Topkok and aerial reconnaissance by the U.S. Coast Guard. Low visibility and adverse weather complicated the mission.
At 3:18 p.m. Thursday, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and speed over Norton Sound.
The cause remains unknown. Notably, the plane did not activate its Emergency Locator Transmitter, which typically signals distress following a crash or exposure to water.
Photo: By Chorchapu – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159290983Investigation Report
Bering Air, headquartered in Nome, has operated since 1979, providing regional passenger, charter, and cargo services.
The airline primarily serves remote Alaskan communities where air travel is essential due to a lack of road infrastructure.
The downed aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, is widely used for short-haul flights in rugged conditions.
It is designed for high payloads, rough terrain, and single-engine efficiency. The specific aircraft bore the tail number N321BA.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the crash. A lead investigator was dispatched to the site, with additional personnel en route. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy was also expected to arrive in Alaska to oversee the probe.
The cause of the crash remains undetermined. Authorities will analyze flight data, weather conditions, and potential mechanical failures.
Photo: Jeroen Stroes Aviation Photography | FlickrAviation Risks in Alaska
Alaska has a high rate of commuter and air taxi accidents due to its challenging terrain and reliance on small aircraft for transportation. Many remote communities, including Nome and Unalakleet, lack road access, making aviation a crucial yet hazardous necessity.
Bering Air operates a fleet of approximately 39 aircraft, including planes and helicopters. Search assistance was provided by Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage.
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