A small commuter plane that vanished while flying over western Alaska has been found crashed on sea ice, with all 10 people on board confirmed dead, authorities said on Friday, February 7, 2025. The Bering Air single-engine turboprop plane, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, was one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Alaska’s history in the past 25 years.
Rescue Mission Ends in Tragic Discovery
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed search teams after the Cessna Caravan lost contact less than an hour after takeoff. The aircraft’s last known position was 30 miles southeast of Nome, over the frozen Norton Sound. A rescue helicopter spotted debris scattered on sea ice, confirming the worst.
Two rescue swimmers were lowered onto the ice, where they found the wreckage splintered into pieces. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities analyzing radar data showing a rapid loss of altitude and speed moments before the crash.
Community Mourns Lives Lost
Nome Mayor John Handeland expressed deep sorrow as he addressed the loss, stating,
“Nome is a strong community, and in challenging times, we come together to support each other.”
A prayer service was held Friday evening for the victims, their families, and those involved in the search effort.
Among the deceased, two individuals were on a work trip for a non-profit tribal health organization, while the identities of the others have yet to be released.
Challenging Recovery Operation
Due to unstable ice conditions and worsening weather, officials are racing against time to recover the victims and wreckage. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department emphasized the complexity of working on “young ice”, warning of its slushy and unstable nature.
Aviation Safety Concerns Grow
This crash marks the third major U.S. aviation disaster in eight days, following:
- A Black Hawk helicopter and commercial jet collision near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people (Jan. 29).
- A medical transport plane crash in Philadelphia, claiming seven lives (Jan. 31).
Flying is essential in Alaska, where many remote communities lack road access and rely on small planes for transportation. This tragedy underscores the risks of air travel in extreme weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash, while local, state, and federal agencies assist in the recovery operation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to the site to assess the wreckage and determine what led to the plane’s rapid descent.
Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this devastating loss.
