A search and rescue mission is underway for a Bering Air plane that went missing on Thursday afternoon while flying to Nome, Alaska. The Cessna Caravan turboprop, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, lost contact around 4 p.m. local time, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Search teams are working to locate the aircraft’s last known coordinates.
Bering Air Plane Goes Missing Over Alaska’s West Coast
The missing Bering Air flight was traveling from Unalakleet to Nome, two coastal cities in Alaska. According to reports, the pilot had informed Anchorage Air Traffic Control that he planned to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway to be cleared.
The U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska reported that the plane was 12 miles offshore when it disappeared from radar. Ground searches are currently being conducted from Nome and White Mountain, located on the southern Seward Peninsula.
Search Efforts Face Weather Challenges
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department, along with the National Guard and Coast Guard, is actively searching for the plane. However, poor weather conditions and visibility have made air searches difficult.
By 8 p.m., an HC-130 Coast Guard aircraft had arrived in the area to conduct a grid search over the water and shoreline. The aircraft is equipped with advanced search and rescue technology, allowing it to detect objects even in low-visibility conditions.
The Norton Sound Health Corporation, a tribally owned healthcare organization, is prepared to respond in case of a medical emergency. The Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage has also sent support to assist in the search mission.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid forming independent search parties due to the harsh weather and safety risks. Families of those on board are encouraged to seek support from Norton Sound Health Corporation.
Alaska’s Air Travel Risks
Alaska’s challenging terrain and weather conditions make air travel risky. Many remote villages lack road connections, making small planes the primary means of transportation.
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Alaska has a higher number of air taxi and commuter plane accidents compared to other U.S. states. Factors like mountainous landscapes, unpredictable weather, and isolated airstrips contribute to aviation challenges.
Bering Air, the airline operating the missing flight, runs a fleet of around 39 aircraft, including planes and helicopters, as per FlightRadar24 data.
Recent Aviation Incidents in the U.S.
The missing Bering Air flight is the latest in a series of aviation incidents in the U.S. in recent weeks:
- January 29 – An American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
- Early February – A Medevac jet crashed in Philadelphia, killing seven and injuring over 20 others.
- February 3 – A United Airlines flight from Houston to New York was evacuated due to an engine issue.
- February 7 – A Delta Air Lines plane was struck by a Japan Airlines aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about aviation safety across the country.
Search and rescue teams continue to scour Alaska’s coastline in hopes of locating the missing Bering Air plane. While air searches were initially limited by poor weather, authorities are using advanced search equipment to track down the aircraft. Families of the missing passengers are being offered support as they wait for updates. Given Alaska’s challenging flying conditions, this incident highlights the dangers of air travel in remote areas.
