Feb 08 (V7N) — A small commuter plane crashed on sea ice near Nome, Alaska, killing all 10 people aboard in one of the state’s deadliest aviation disasters in decades, authorities confirmed Friday.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts Underway

The wreckage of the Bering Air Cessna Caravan was located southeast of Nome after a helicopter search. A Coast Guard photo showed the shattered aircraft and debris strewn across the ice, as emergency responders assessed the scene.

Recovery efforts have been complicated by unstable, slushy ice and worsening weather conditions, officials said. Rescuers are racing against time to safely retrieve the victims.
Flight Details and Crash Circumstances

The aircraft, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, took off from Unalakleet on Thursday afternoon but lost contact within an hour. Officials reported a sudden drop in altitude and speed, though the cause remains unclear.

No distress signals were detected, according to investigators.
Community Mourns the Tragedy

Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed deep sorrow over the crash, while Nome Mayor John Handeland, visibly emotional, emphasized the community’s resilience. A prayer service was scheduled for Friday evening.

Bering Air, which serves 32 remote villages, continued search and support efforts, as federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were dispatched to determine the cause of the crash.
Alaska’s Aviation Risks

Alaska’s rugged terrain and extreme weather make air travel both essential and dangerous. The crash marks the third major U.S. aviation disaster in just over a week, following fatal incidents in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

As Nome and surrounding communities mourn the loss, vigils are being held to honor the victims and support their families.

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