On Friday, February 9th, the authorities in Alaska launched a rescue operation along the coast of Norton Sound. The day before, a Bering Air small passenger plane carrying 10 people went missing while en route from Unalakleet to Nome.
According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the Cessna Caravan turboprop aircraft was carrying 9 passengers and 1 pilot. Efforts are underway to obtain the last known coordinates of the plane.
Data from FlightRadar24 shows that the aircraft was last located flying over water. It took off from Unalakleet at 2:38 PM local time on Thursday (11:38 PM UTC) and lost signal 38 minutes later.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health pointed out that Alaska has a higher rate of commuter plane accidents compared to other states in the U.S. Due to the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions, many villages in Alaska lack road connections, making small planes the primary mode of transportation.
According to FlightRadar24 data, Bering Air, based in Alaska, operates around 39 aircraft and helicopters.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department initiated search operations late Thursday night.
“We are currently conducting ground searches between Nome and White Mountain and gathering the latest information as much as possible,” the department stated. “Air searches are limited due to weather conditions and visibility.”
“The National Guard, Coast Guard, and State Police have been notified and are participating in the search,” the statement added. “The Norton Sound Health Corporation is on standby.”
Authorities urged the public not to organize search teams on their own to avoid risks due to weather and safety concerns. The U.S. National Guard and Air Force have dispatched search teams to assist in the operation.
This incident comes amidst two recent serious aviation accidents in the United States. Last month, a deadly mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport claimed the lives of 67 people, and a plane crash in Philadelphia resulted in 7 fatalities.
Following these consecutive air disasters, President Trump pledged to reform the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including appointing a new Acting Director and upgrading the U.S. air traffic control system.