Bering Air search operations underway after flight goes missing in Alaska

A search operation is ongoing in Alaska’s rugged waters after a Cessna aircraft with 10 people on board went missing Thursday. The flight, operated by Bering Air, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome, two cities located in western Alaska, when it disappeared from radar over the Norton Sound inlet.

The Alaska State Troopers were alerted at 4 p.m. local time about the overdue aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, which had nine passengers and a pilot aboard. The plane was last spotted at approximately 3:16 p.m. near the Norton Sound, about 12 miles offshore. The Coast Guard confirmed that the plane’s location was lost shortly thereafter, and they immediately began efforts to locate the missing aircraft.

Weather conditions have been challenging for search crews. As of Thursday evening, Nome Airport experienced light snow and freezing drizzle, reducing visibility to just half a mile. Wind gusts of up to 35 mph were forecasted overnight, further hampering rescue efforts. Despite these obstacles, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department has been conducting ground searches from Nome and White Mountain. However, poor weather has limited air search capabilities.

In response to the dire situation, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force have joined the search. The Coast Guard deployed an HC-130 aircraft equipped with specialized search and rescue equipment capable of locating objects and people in low visibility conditions. This critical support aims to narrow down the aircraft’s location despite the challenging weather.

Bering Air, which operates primarily in western Alaska, has been actively coordinating with rescue teams to provide any necessary information. David Olson, the airline’s director of operations, confirmed that the company is working tirelessly to assist in the search and gather information as quickly as possible. The airline serves over 30 communities in the region and is well-acquainted with the difficulties of operating in Alaska’s remote areas.

Local hospitals are preparing for a potential emergency response, with the Norton Sound Health Corporation on standby. Additionally, the Norton Sound Regional Hospital has set up a family center for relatives of those on board to await updates.

The incident comes amid increased scrutiny of U.S. air safety, following several high-profile crashes in recent weeks, including the midair collision of a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet, which killed 67 people.

Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska expressed his concern over the incident, offering his thoughts and prayers for the passengers, their families, and the rescue teams involved. The search for the missing plane continues, with authorities urging the public to avoid conducting their own searches due to the hazardous weather conditions.