Authorities have recovered and identified all ten victims of the Bering Air Flight 445 crash near Nome, Alaska. The aircraft went missing on February 6 and was later found on an ice floe approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome.
Victims Identified
Alaska State Troopers confirmed the pilot and nine passengers:
- Pilot: Chad Antill, 34, of Nome
- Passengers:
- Liane Ryan, 52, of Wasilla
- Donnell Erickson, 58, of Nome
- Andrew Gonzalez, 30, of Wasilla
- Kameron Hartvigson, 41, of Anchorage
- Rhone Baumgartner, 46, of Anchorage
- Jadee Moncur, 52, of Eagle River
- Ian Hofmann, 45, of Anchorage
- Talaluk Katchatag, 34, of Unalakleet
- Carol Mooers, 48, of Unalakleet
After recovery, the victims’ remains were transported to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for autopsies.
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Crash Site Recovery & Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now shifting focus to recovering the plane’s wreckage. However, the crash site is moving approximately five miles per day due to ice floe conditions, making the operation more difficult.
The Cessna 208 Caravan involved in the crash was not equipped with voice or data recorders, as they are not required for this type of aircraft. Investigators are now searching for other avionic components that may contain electronic data to help determine the cause of the crash.
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NTSB’s Response & Safety Commitment
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy acknowledged the deep impact of the crash on the tight-knit communities of Nome and Alaska’s aviation industry.
“We will work diligently to determine how this happened with the ultimate goal of improving safety here in Alaska and across the United States,” Homendy said.
Series of Recent Aviation Incidents
This marks the third major aviation incident in the U.S. within eight days:
- January 29: An American Eagle flight and Army Black Hawk helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River, killing all 67 people on board.
- January 31: A medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing six passengers and one person on the ground.
Authorities continue to investigate the Bering Air crash as recovery efforts persist in challenging weather conditions.
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