Commuter Plane Crash in Alaska Claims Lives of All 10 Aboard
A commuter plane crash in Alaska has resulted in the death of all 10 individuals aboard. The wreckage was found on sea ice after the aircraft lost contact during its journey from Unalakleet to Nome.
A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome has been located on sea ice, resulting in the tragic loss of all 10 individuals on board.
Mike Salerno, a spokesman for the US Coast Guard, reported on Friday that rescuers were searching the last known location of the aircraft by helicopter when they discovered the wreckage. Two rescue swimmers were lowered to investigate the scene.
The Bering Air single-engine turboprop plane was en route from Unalakleet on Thursday afternoon, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, as stated by Alaska's Department of Public Safety.
The Cessna Caravan departed Unalakleet at 2:37 PM, and officials lost contact with the aircraft less than an hour later, according to David Olson, director of operations for Bering Air. Weather conditions included light snow and fog, with a temperature of -8C as reported by the National Weather Service.
Contact was lost with the plane about 50 km southeast of Nome, and it was located 20 km offshore, confirmed the Coast Guard.
The plane was operating at its maximum passenger capacity, according to the airline’s description.
All 10 individuals on board were adults, and this flight was a regularly scheduled commuter trip, as detailed by the Alaska State Troopers.
This incident marks the third significant US aviation mishap in just eight days. Earlier, a commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near the nation's capital on January 29, resulting in 67 fatalities. Additionally, a medical transportation plane crashed in Philadelphia two days later, leading to the deaths of six people on board and another on the ground.
Alaska's US senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, issued statements offering their thoughts and prayers to the passengers, their families, rescuers, and the Nome community.
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