A Bering Air flight carrying ten people, including the pilot, reportedly went missing late Thursday afternoon near Nome, Alaska. The plane, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft, disappeared from radar 39 minutes after taking off from Unalakleet at 2:37 PM local time, according to data from flight tracking website FlightRadar.
Search and Rescue Operations Launched
Alaska’s Department of Public Safety confirmed that a search operation is currently underway. “Efforts are being coordinated on the ground with the help of local volunteers in Nome and White Mountain,” an official statement read.
However, the Nome volunteer department has urged residents to refrain from forming private search parties due to severe weather and safety concerns.
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The search has been further complicated by harsh weather conditions. The air search had to be temporarily suspended due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, making aerial reconnaissance difficult. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard is scanning the region for potential clues to the aircraft’s location.
Authorities Intensify Ground Search Efforts
Local fire department personnel, alongside rescue teams, have been combing the area from Nome to Topkok. Authorities remain hopeful for a breakthrough as ground operations continue despite challenging conditions.
The missing Bering Air flight raises fresh concerns about aviation safety in Alaska, where unpredictable weather conditions pose constant risks to air travel. Officials have assured that all resources are being utilized to locate the aircraft and ensure the safety of those on board.
