A Coast Guard search and rescue aircraft was dispatched from Air Station Kodiak to the missing plane’s last known location, 12 miles offshore, according to a statement on X. Data from FlightRadar reveals that a Bering Air flight was last reporting information at 3:16 p.m. over Norton Sound. The Hercules HC-130 was tasked with flying a grid pattern over the water and along the shoreline, equipped with technology to aid in locating the plane even in conditions of low visibility, as stated by the fire department. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage also provided flight support.
Ground crews have diligently covered a stretch along the coast from Nome to Topkok, the fire department reported, emphasizing their commitment to expanding search efforts through various avenues until the missing plane is located. A map displays the last reported location over Norton Sound off Nome, Alaska, by the Bering Air flight that disappeared on February 6, 2025. Despite efforts, the air search is currently limited due to inclement weather and poor visibility, the fire department acknowledged, cautioning against individual search parties due to hazardous conditions.
On an early Friday update, the fire department conveyed the lack of updated information on the missing aircraft’s whereabouts, with ground crews still actively scouring the area comprehensively. The National Guard’s C-130 reported no significant findings thus far. An FAA weather camera near Nome indicated near-whiteout conditions prevailing for several hours on Thursday afternoon, as reported by Alaska’s News Source.
Weather data from Unalakleet at the time of departure noted 17 degrees Fahrenheit, light snowfall, and foggy conditions, according to the National Weather Service. The search effort involved the participation of the National Guard and state troopers, as confirmed by the fire department. The National Transportation Safety Board disclosed its monitoring of the situation, clarifying that formal investigations commence once the fate of the missing plane is determined, with a dedicated team stationed year-round in Alaska for such occurrences.
The missing aircraft, a Cessna Caravan, is a single-engine propeller plane with a capacity of approximately 10 people, including the pilot. Renowned for its reliability and widespread usage, the Cessna Caravan is a common choice for air travel. Alaska has a history of small plane accidents, particularly during challenging winter conditions, making flying a daunting task. In rural Alaska, planes often serve as the primary mode of transportation for longer trips.
Unalakleet, a community of around 690 residents in western Alaska, is located about 150 miles southeast of Nome and 395 miles northwest of Anchorage. Nome is famed for being the finish line of the 1,000-mile Iditarod race and is a historic Gold Rush town situated just south of the Arctic Circle. Bering Air, based in Nome, serves 32 villages in western Alaska and maintains hubs in Kotzebue and Unalakleet, providing
