A Bering Air flight carrying 10 passengers has gone missing near Nome, Alaska, prompting concerns of a possible crash and triggering an extensive search operation.
Last Known Location & Search Efforts
White Mountain Fire Chief Jack Adams told Alaska’s News Source that the aircraft vanished from radar somewhere along the Nome-to-Topkok coastline. Search crews are actively scanning a 30-mile stretch in the area.
“They’re prepared to be out all night. They will search until they find them or somebody else does,” Adams stated. “If nothing is found, we’ll likely rally another crew to assist.”
Flight Details & Disappearance
The missing aircraft, a Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX (tail number N321BA), took off from Unalakleet, Alaska, on a scheduled flight to Nome. However, it lost contact shortly after takeoff and disappeared from radar.
Alaska State Troopers confirmed that the plane was operating as a commercial flight.
Official Response & Challenges
Authorities were alerted to the disappearance at 4 p.m. (Alaska Standard Time) by the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center.
The White Mountain Fire Department provided an update, stating:
“We are conducting an active ground search from Nome and White Mountain, gathering as much real-time information as possible. However, due to weather and poor visibility, aerial search efforts are currently limited. The National Guard, Coast Guard, and Troopers have been notified and are actively involved. Norton Sound Health Corporation is on standby.”
Rescue teams remain on high alert, bracing for an overnight operation in the challenging Alaskan terrain.
