A search is underway for a Bering Air flight that went missing in Alaska’s Norton Sound, leaving officials in a race against time and weather.
Key Takeaways
- A Bering Air Cessna Caravan with ten people aboard vanished over Norton Sound, Alaska.
- The plane lost contact shortly after takeoff from Unalakleet, last located 12 miles offshore at 5,300 feet.
- Severe weather conditions hinder the extensive search operations.
- The plane remains classified as “overdue,” not confirmed crashed.
Flight Details and Disappearance
Bering Air Flight, carrying a pilot and nine passengers, went missing while en route from Unalakleet to Nome. The plane lost contact 38 minutes after takeoff, with its last known position 12 miles offshore.
Efforts commenced immediately, with teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and the Alaskan National Guard converging for a search. The search includes both aerial and ground operations. A Coast Guard C-130 performs grid pattern searches over the water, while crews comb the shoreline.
Challenges Facing Searchers
Severe weather conditions, including near-whiteout and freezing temperatures, severely impede search efforts. Ground and air teams encounter fog and dangerously low visibility.
The plane was never officially classified as having crashed, with its status remaining “overdue”. Residents are advised against self-organized search parties due to hazardous conditions, emphasizing safety.
Continued Search Efforts and Coordination
Authorities continue collaborating for an expansive search operation, involving multiple agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board monitors the situation but hasn’t begun a formal investigation.
Bering Air operates scheduled services to various Alaskan villages, with the Nome Volunteer Fire Department providing regular updates. Local medical teams in Nome remain ready for immediate action if required.
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan acknowledges the tragic circumstances, extending prayers and support for all those involved, reflecting on the region’s challenging aviation climate.
Conclusion: Safety First
The unfolding search operation demonstrates Alaska’s united, multi-agency approach to potential aviation disasters, intensifying efforts despite severe weather interruptions.
Authorities prioritizing safety above all else, the search continues with great hope and determination to resolve the missing flight’s fate.
Sources:
- Crews in Alaska search for missing plane with 10 passengers on board – CBS News
- Bering Air Plane Vanishes from Tracker Map over Alaska – Newsweek
- Authorities searching for missing airplane carrying 10 people after it never landed in Alaska
