A plane carrying ten people is still missing in rural Alaska after the aircraft disappeared during brutal winter conditions on Thursday afternoon. Bering Air Flight 445 was reported missing shortly before 4 p.m. local time, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Rescuers are facing significant challenges, including low visibility due to heavy snow and fog, as they race against time to find survivors aboard the small Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.
The flight took off from Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m. local time, and officials lost contact with it less than an hour later. David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air, stated the aircraft went off radio roughly ten minutes before its scheduled arrival. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the plane was approximately twelve miles offshore when it disappeared.
Weather conditions during the flight were severe, with temperatures at takeoff reported at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by light snow and fog. These conditions have proved problematic for search efforts. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department noted on social media, “Due to weather and visibility, we are limited on air search at the current time.” They are actively conducting ground searches from Nome and the nearby White Mountain area, urging locals not to form independent search parties due to the dangers posed by the weather.
The Alaska U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, expressed their concerns via social media platforms, saying their thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, their families, and the rescue crews involved. Meanwhile, local authorities and organizations are coordinating search efforts. “We are currently doing an active ground search from Nome and from White Mountain,” reported the Nome Volunteer Fire Department.
The missing flight marks the third significant aviation incident within just eight days. Just days prior, on January 29, a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter resulted in the deaths of 67 people. Two days later, another crash involving a medical jet occurred near Philadelphia, claiming seven lives.
For Bering Air, the loss of Flight 445 is devastating. Bering Air serves as an important transportation link for many communities across Alaska, flying to numerous remote locations daily. The airline is particularly significant as air travel is often the only available means for residents of isolated regions, especially during harsh winter weather.
The search for Flight 445 remains urgent. Rescuers have reported very difficult conditions, with some insisting, “They will search here until they find them.” White Mountain Fire Chief Jack Adams emphasized the risks of searching at sea, concluding, “Being in the water would be the worst-case scenario.” Every moment counts as the search teams remain hopeful and persistent.
Local volunteers have shown immense support, offering boats and other resources to assist the search crews. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department reported they had received overwhelming community backing as residents were eager to help.
At this stage, the identities of those on board the missing plane remain undisclosed, amplifying the concern within the tight-knit communities of Unalakleet and Nome. Family members and friends anxiously await updates, with many community members holding hope for the safe return of their loved ones.
The situation highlights the risks associated with aviation travel during extreme weather. Snow and fog can easily disrupt routine operations, prompting the need for careful navigation and timely communication. The incident has drawn attention to the aviation safety standards within the U.S., particularly amid the recent tragic accidents.
Senior officials at Bering Air and public safety departments are coordinating closely as search operations continue. Rescue teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Guard, remain fleet-footed, ready to adapt to changing weather patterns as they seek to find the missing aircraft.
With the clock ticking, families of the passengers and the entire Alaskan community are coming together, adding to the emotional weight of the search. The coming hours and days are pivotal as rescue crews work tirelessly, bolstered by the hopes of finding Flight 445 and returning its passengers home safely.