A puzzling ordeal concerning a lost aircraft has come to light in Alaska. The Coast Guard disclosed that a plane with 10 individuals on board, which had departed for Nome and failed to reach its destination, was discovered crashed in Alaska on Friday. Regrettably, it is believed that there are no survivors from this tragic incident.
The wreckage of the aircraft was located approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, and within it, three deceased individuals were found, as reported by the maritime military branch. According to the Coast Guard, the remaining seven individuals who were on the plane are assumed to still be inside, but due to the condition of the aircraft, accessibility has been challenging.
“The Coast Guard has determined that the extent of the wreckage is such that survival would not be viable,” stated the Coast Guard. The ill-fated Bering Air Cessna Caravan embarked on its journey on Thursday from Unalakleet, situated on the eastern coast of Norton Sound in western Alaska, with its intended destination being Nome, approximately 140 miles away.
Nine passengers and one pilot were on board the aircraft. The flight departed from Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by David Olson, the Director of Operations at Bering Air, in an interview with NBC affiliate KTUU of Anchorage.
Analysis of radar data revealed that around 3:18 p.m. on Thursday, the aircraft experienced an event causing a sudden descent in elevation and speed, stated Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble during a news briefing on Friday.
Following the discovery of the wreckage on Friday, two Coast Guard swimmers were deployed via helicopter and discovered the three deceased individuals within the front section of the aircraft, as per the Coast Guard’s announcement.
Expressing condolences, the Coast Guard shared on social media that their thoughts are with those impacted by this sorrowful occurrence. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, along with his wife, conveyed their sorrow over the loss of the 10 individuals aboard the ill-fated Bering Air flight, offering prayers to the families, friends, and communities grieving this tragedy.
The Nome Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that its search and rescue team was mobilized for the recovery operation, with support from the Alaska National Guard. The National Transportation Safety Board declared its intention to launch an investigative team to probe the crash.
Notably, Nome and Unalakleet lack access to the state’s highway system, relying instead on air travel, waterways, snowmobiles, and trails as primary modes of transportation between the two locations. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed her profound sadness upon learning of the incident, emphasizing the unity and resilience of the Alaskan community during times of adversity. She expressed gratitude to all responders who faced the harsh conditions to locate the downed aircraft.
