Missing Alaska Plane That Crashed with 10 Aboard Finally Located – Photo & Details

iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image3On February 6, 2025, a tragic aviation accident occurred in Alaska involving a Bering Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX. The aircraft, registered as N321BA, was operating as Flight 445 on a scheduled route from Unalakleet Airport to Nome Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost contact with air traffic control, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.

The flight departed Unalakleet at approximately 2:38 p.m. AKST, with an expected arrival in Nome around 4:20 p.m. At 3:16 p.m., the aircraft’s last known position was recorded at an altitude of 5,300 feet. Data indicates that the plane had reached a cruising altitude of about 7,700 feet before initiating its descent toward Nome at 3:11 p.m. During this descent, the aircraft’s ground speed decreased from 163 knots to 110 knots over a span of two minutes. Subsequently, the plane vanished from radar. Notably, the pilot had informed the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center of plans to enter a holding pattern while awaiting runway clearance. No distress signals were received prior to the disappearance. citeturn0search12

The U.S. Coast Guard, along with other agencies, initiated search efforts despite challenging weather conditions, including light snow and fog. On February 7, 2025, the wreckage was discovered approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, on frozen sea ice over Norton Sound. Rescue personnel identified three bodies within the aircraft, with the remaining seven occupants presumed to be inside but inaccessible due to the condition of the wreckage. All ten individuals on board—nine passengers and one pilot—were confirmed deceased. citeturn0search4

Among the victims were two employees from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Division of Environmental Health and Engineering. They were reportedly traveling to Unalakleet to assist with a heating system for a water plant. The identities of the other passengers have not been publicly disclosed. citeturn0search12

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary data suggests a rapid loss of altitude and speed before the aircraft’s disappearance. Investigators will examine various factors, including potential mechanical failures, pilot actions, and environmental conditions. citeturn0search12

This incident underscores the inherent challenges of aviation in Alaska, a state heavily reliant on air travel due to its vast and often inaccessible terrain. The combination of remote locations and frequently adverse weather conditions can complicate both flight operations and emergency response efforts.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed their condolences to the families and communities affected. Governor Dunleavy stated, “Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy. We are grateful to the search teams who worked tirelessly to locate the aircraft.” Senator Murkowski added, “My prayers are with the passengers, those in Bering Air, and the community of Nome.” citeturn0search12

The communities of Nome and Unalakleet have been deeply impacted by the loss. Unalakleet’s City Administrator, Kelsi Ivanoff, remarked, “No stranger to losing community members to plane wrecks… [this] hits really close to home for our community.” citeturn0search12

As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to determine the factors that led to this devastating event, with the goal of preventing similar tragedies in the future. The loss serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation in challenging environments and the importance of continual efforts to enhance safety protocols.

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