A Coast Guard search and rescue aircraft was deployed from Air Station Kodiak to the last known location of the missing plane, situated 12 miles offshore, as per a statement released by X. Data retrieved from FlightRadar indicates that a Bering Air flight was last reported at 3:16 p.m. traversing Norton Sound. The Hercules HC-130 was tasked with conducting a methodical search pattern over the water and along the coastline using specialized equipment designed to locate the missing aircraft even in conditions of low visibility, as stated by the fire department. Additionally, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage provided flight support for the search efforts.
Ground teams have been diligently combing the coastal area from Nome to Topkok, with the fire department affirming their dedication to exploring all possible avenues until the aircraft is located. A map displays the final reported location over Norton Sound, off the coast of Nome, Alaska, where the Bering Air flight went missing on February 6, 2025. However, due to challenging weather conditions and limited visibility, aerial search operations are currently restricted. Authorities have cautioned against independent search parties due to the hazardous weather conditions.
In an update early on Friday, the fire department disclosed that there were no new leads on the whereabouts of the missing plane. Ground crews continue their search efforts, covering as much ground as possible. The National Guard’s C-130 aircraft reported no findings thus far. An FAA weather camera near Nome captured near-whiteout conditions persisting for several hours on Thursday afternoon, as reported by Alaska’s News Source. Weather data indicates that temperatures were at 17 degrees Fahrenheit in Unalakleet at the time of the plane’s departure, with light snowfall and fog adding to the challenging conditions.
The National Guard and state troopers have joined the search mission, assisting the fire department. The National Transportation Safety Board is closely monitoring developments, emphasizing that formal investigations will commence once the fate of the aircraft is established. With a team stationed in Alaska year-round, the NTSB is prepared to launch a comprehensive investigation.
The missing aircraft is identified as a Cessna Caravan, a reliable single-engine propeller plane capable of accommodating approximately 10 individuals, including the pilot. In Alaska, small plane accidents are not uncommon, especially during the winter months when adverse weather conditions pose significant challenges to aviation. Moreover, in rural Alaska, planes often serve as the primary mode of transportation for long-distance travel.
Located in western Alaska, the community of Unalakleet, comprising around 690 residents, is situated about 150 miles southeast of Nome and 395 miles northwest of Anchorage. Nome is renowned as the final destination of the 1,000-mile Iditarod race and is a historic Gold Rush town located just south of the Arctic Circle.
Bering Air, based in Nome, serves 32 villages across western Alaska and maintains additional hubs in Kot
