Authorities in Alaska are mounting an extensive search operation after a small commercial plane carrying 10 people vanished without a trace. The aircraft, a Bering Air Caravan, had nine passengers and one pilot on board when it failed to reach its destination on Thursday, sparking concerns and a full-scale rescue effort.
According to the Alaska State Police, the flight departed Unalakleet at 4:00 PM Alaska Standard Time (0100 GMT) en route to Nome, a journey spanning approximately 146 miles (235 kilometers) across the icy expanse of Norton Sound. However, the plane never arrived.
In a chilling detail, Nome’s Volunteer Fire Department revealed in a Facebook post that the pilot had reported entering a holding pattern while awaiting runway clearance in Nome. Moments later, all communication was lost.
Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, have since launched an urgent search mission. A C-130 aircraft has been deployed to assist ground crews scouring the rugged Alaskan terrain for any sign of the missing plane.
Despite exhaustive efforts, Nome’s fire department admitted Friday that there were still no new leads on the aircraft’s location. “Crews are canvassing as much area as possible, but we do not have any updated information on the missing aircraft,” a statement read.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft’s last known position was over open water, approximately 40 minutes after takeoff. The ominous silence from the plane has only deepened fears for those on board.
This disappearance comes amid a troubling wave of air disasters across the United States.
January 30: A passenger jet collided midair with a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
February 2: A medical evacuation plane crashed into a densely populated Philadelphia neighborhood, leaving seven dead and 19 injured.
As the search for the missing Bering Air flight continues, families of the passengers remain on edge, clinging to hope for a miracle. Authorities have vowed to intensify rescue efforts, but with each passing hour, the mystery deepens, leaving many wondering—where did the plane go?
PIONEER NEWS 