The aircraft “experienced some kind of event which caused them to experience a rapid loss in elevation and a rapid loss in speed” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Commander Benjamin McIntyre-Coble in a statement.
Search efforts intensified on Friday, with rescuers locating the wreckage after an extensive operation involving local, state, and federal agencies. The plane was found by helicopter, and crews began racing to recover the wreckage and the remains of the victims on Saturday, braving anticipated snow and high winds.
“All ten individuals aboard the Bering Air plane have been officially brought home,” the Nome Volunteer Fire Department said in a statement on Saturday night. “Nome SAR efforts stand by for our Bering Air crew to complete their aircraft recovery operations.”
Unalakleet, a small community with a population of roughly 690, is located 150 miles southeast of Nome and about 395 miles northwest of Anchorage.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to investigate the crash. Preliminary radar data from the U.S. Civil Air Patrol indicated that the plane rapidly lost altitude and speed, but the cause remains unclear. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed no distress signals were received from the plane, raising further questions about the crash’s circumstances.
The city of Nome hosted a vigil on Friday. Pastor Amanda Snyder from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church presided and asked that those in attendance lean on each other for support.
“Words can’t express the loss we’re all feeling, we’re all connected in so many ways,” said Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “It’s hard to accept the reality of our loss.”
Flying is a critical mode of transportation in Alaska, where vast distances and limited infrastructure make air travel essential for connecting remote communities. Many areas are not accessible by road, and planes are used to transport goods, services, and people.
Bering Air expressed condolences to the families of the victims in a statement, offering emotional support to those affected by the tragedy through a dedicated hotline. This crash marks the third major aviation incident in the U.S. in the past week, adding to concerns about air safety.
In the aftermath of a plane crash over water, legal considerations can be complex, and the Jones Act may play a role in determining compensation for victims and their families. If you have been affected and need guidance, an experienced maritime lawyer can help you understand your options. Call 877-332-5529 for a compassionate, no-cost consultation.