Small plane with 10 aboard missing in Alaska; search underway
On Thursday, a Bering Air plane with 10 people on board went missing while flying from Unalakleet to Nome. Intensive search efforts are underway.
Alaska State Troopers reported that the Bering Air Caravan, carrying nine passengers and the pilot, went missing on Thursday during its flight from Unalakleet to Nome. The delay report was received at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Intensive search efforts
Clint Johnson, head of the Alaska office of the National Transportation Safety Board, confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored. Search and rescue teams are trying to determine the plane's last known coordinates.
The Nome Fire Department confirmed that it is conducting active searches on land between Nome and White Mountain. Due to poor weather and limited visibility, aerial searches are challenging.
The National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard have joined the search operation. A Coast Guard C-130 equipped with specialized search equipment is combing the area along the coastline.
The Nome Fire Department has urged residents not to organize independent searches due to the difficult weather conditions.
Despite intensive efforts, by Thursday evening, the plane had not yet been located. The pilot had previously informed flight controllers in Anchorage of the intention to wait for the Nome runway to be cleared.
