A routine flight over Alaska turned tragic when a small passenger jet disappeared from radar. The Bering Air-operated Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, carrying ten people, vanished Thursday afternoon near Nome.
Authorities launched an immediate search along the coast. A search plane later discovered a “item of interest” linked to the missing aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed finding the wreckage about 34 miles southeast of Nome.
Three bodies were recovered, while “the remaining seven people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane,” the USCG stated. Poor weather and rough terrain made search efforts challenging, with near-whiteout conditions and unstable sea ice complicating access.
Flight data showed the plane lost speed and altitude before vanishing from radar. The Coast Guard dispatched an HC-130 Hercules jet after receiving an emergency alert at 4:30 p.m. The aircraft was last tracked 12 miles offshore.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences, saying, “Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy.” Officials continue investigating the cause as loved ones await answers.
