On Saturday, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department announced that all ten individuals on the Bering Air flight have been confirmed deceased following the plane’s crash in western Alaska. The aircraft, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, was discovered about 54 kilometres southeast of its destination, with recovery operations hampered by unstable sea ice and worsening weather conditions.
The victims included pilot Chad Antill, 34, and nine passengers ranging in age from 30 to 58, identified by authorities. Recovery efforts are currently focused on retrieving the bodies before further investigation into the wreckage begins. Officials anticipate that adverse weather, including high winds and snow, will impact the timeline for these operations.
Investigators, including a team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are working to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicated that the plane experienced a significant drop in both altitude and speed shortly before losing communication. Local community leaders expressed their grief at a vigil, highlighting the close-knit nature of the region, where air travel is a vital means of transport.
This heartbreaking incident has deeply affected the Nome community, as many have personal connections to the victims, and the tragedy reinforces the inherent risks of aviation in remote areas. The NTSB is committed to uncovering the details of the crash to enhance future safety.