Alaska plane that disappeared found; all 10 people aboard dead
What's the story
A Bering Air flight that disappeared in Alaska on Thursday has been found, but unfortunately, there are no survivors, the US Coast Guard confirmed. The plane was located some 55km southeast of Nome on Friday. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was carrying nine passengers and one pilot when it went off the radar on Thursday afternoon on its way from Unalakleet to Nome.
Tragic discovery
Rescue swimmers identify bodies in plane wreckage
The US Coast Guard said two rescue swimmers located three bodies inside the wreckage. The other seven are believed to be in the inaccessible portions of the aircraft. "Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident," the USCG said on X. Coast Guard Lt Commander Benjamin McIntyre-Coble said that the plane lost elevation and speed rapidly around 3:18pm local time on Thursday.
Challenging conditions
Search efforts for missing plane hindered by weather
The search efforts were complicated by bad weather, including light snow and freezing drizzle. These conditions impacted visibility and aerial search capabilities. Initial search flights by C-130 crews from the Coast Guard and US Air Force proved fruitless. Ground searches in the Nome area and along sea ice offshore were also conducted, but they too yielded nothing.
Investigation support
FBI assists in search for missing plane
The aircraft failed to communicate its position via an emergency locator transmitter, making the search difficult. Alaska State Troopers confirmed all passengers were adults, however, no names have been released yet. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration is sending an investigator from the Aviation Safety Office of Accident and Prevention to help determine the cause of the crash.
Official response
Alaska Governor expresses condolences
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said he and his wife are "heartbroken by the loss." "I ask all Alaskans to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers," he added. The tragedy comes amid increased scrutiny of US air safety after two deadly incidents last week, including a military helicopter collision in Washington DC that killed 67 people and a medevac jet crash.