The commuter aircraft vanished mid-flight before crashing into snowy terrain, leaving no survivors
A small commuter plane that disappeared over western Alaska has been found in a remote, snow-covered area near Nome, with all 10 people aboard confirmed dead, authorities announced Friday.
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, operated by Bering Air, lost contact Thursday afternoon while en route from Unalakleet to Nome. Search teams discovered the wreckage approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, scattered across the icy terrain.
US Coast Guard rescue swimmers confirmed the presence of three bodies inside the wreck, while the remaining seven passengers are believed to be trapped within the aircraft’s remains. Among the deceased are Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium employees Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, who had been travelling to service a vital heat recovery system for Unalakleet’s water plant.
Authorities reported that the aircraft experienced a “rapid loss in elevation and speed” at 3:18 p.m. local time before disappearing from radar. A missing emergency locator transmission complicated search efforts, forcing rescuers to rely on aerial sweeps and technical data to track the downed plane’s last known position.
Poor weather conditions initially hindered the search, with freezing drizzle and low visibility slowing response efforts. Despite clear skies on Friday, officials faced grim news upon reaching the crash site. Aerial images showed the shattered aircraft buried in snow, reinforcing the tragedy’s devastating impact.
The FBI and FAA have joined the investigation, working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Early theories suggest ice accumulation on the wings or a sudden mechanical failure may have contributed to the disaster.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences, stating, “Our prayers are with the families, friends, and communities mourning this tragedy.” US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also acknowledged the heartbreaking loss, urging Americans to “say a prayer tonight for the 10 souls who lost their lives.”
As Alaska mourns another aviation tragedy, investigators continue to piece together what went wrong—hoping to prevent future disasters in one of the most perilous flying regions in the world.
