A sudden disappearance of a Bering Air flight between Unalakleet and Nome, Alaska, has set off a large-scale search operation.
A passenger plane with ten people disappeared on Thursday afternoon above Norton Sound, prompting a multi-agency search including the U.S. Coast Guard and FBI, Fox News reported.
The aircraft vanished roughly 12 miles off the coast, with its final signal recorded at 3:16 p.m. Thursday. The last known transmission indicated it was 30 miles southeast of Nome, showing a rapid decrease in altitude and velocity.
Radio contact with Anchorage Air Traffic Control included intentions for a holding pattern due to runway conditions, but subsequent updates ceased.
Both ground and aerial search efforts have commenced, with contributions from the Nome Volunteer Fire Department and several federal agencies.
The search effort enlists help from a Coast Guard helicopter, the National Guard, and the Air Force, although as of Friday, no visual confirmation of the aircraft's whereabouts has emerged.
The FBI is aware of reports of a missing passenger plane near Nome, Alaska. The situation is active and ongoing, but the FBI is currently assisting partners with technical resources and support, to include cellular analysis.
An "item of interest" discovered in the search area prompted an aircraft to investigate further. Despite this potential lead, the plane's exact location remains undiscovered.
David Olson, Director of Operations at Bering Air, emphasized their commitment, stating that their team is relentlessly working to compile information and activate search efforts. In conjunction with this, the Norton Sound Health Corporation stands ready for any medical emergencies.
Alaska's high-ranking officials have expressed their solidarity with all affected. Sen. Dan Sullivan offered thoughts and prayers to passengers and their families, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski included the entire Nome community in her sentiments.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy addressed the ongoing efforts, committing state readiness to assist as needed. Meanwhile, favorable weather conditions are forecasted for the next 24 hours, potentially aiding search operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched an investigator to Nome to provide additional support in the probe.
We are closely monitoring the ongoing search and rescue efforts and stand ready to support in any way we can.
This incident coincides with a recent spate of aviation accidents in the United States, keeping federal attention on the skies. Bering Air operates out of Nome and actively continues to coordinate with search and rescue teams.
A resolution remains pending as efforts continue to uncover the aircraft’s fate. The collaboration between local departments, federal agencies, and civilian searches showcases the unified resolve to locate the missing plane and bring answers to the families involved.
