Nome, Alaska – A Bering Air commercial flight carrying 10 individuals has disappeared from radar while en route from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska. Authorities have launched an urgent search and rescue operation as concern mounts over the fate of the aircraft and those on board.

Incident Details: Flight Vanishes Over Remote Alaskan Wilderness

The aircraft, operated by Bering Air, a regional airline that serves remote Alaskan communities, took off from Unalakleet on the evening of February 5, 2025. It was scheduled to land in Nome, approximately 148 miles northwest of its departure point, but at some point during its flight, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and vanished from radar.

The exact time of disappearance remains unclear, but aviation officials report that the aircraft’s last known position was over a rugged, snow-covered area between Unalakleet and Nome, where temperatures were below freezing and weather conditions were reportedly poor.

Search Efforts Intensify as C-130 and Local Teams Deploy

Search and rescue efforts were immediately activated once authorities lost contact with the plane. The Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Civil Air Patrol have all been mobilized to locate the missing aircraft. A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Alaska Air National Guard is actively searching the area by air, while ground teams are coordinating with local law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams from nearby villages.

Bering Air has not yet released an official statement on the incident, but company officials confirmed that they are cooperating fully with emergency response teams. The names of the passengers and crew members on board have not been disclosed pending notification of their families.

Weather Conditions and Potential Challenges in Search Operations

Alaska’s extreme weather poses significant challenges for search efforts. The region is known for its harsh winter conditions, with high winds, freezing temperatures, and low visibility, all of which may have contributed to the aircraft’s disappearance. At the time of the flight, reports from the National Weather Service indicated heavy snow showers and gusty winds, raising concerns about whether inclement weather played a role in the incident.

Alaska’s History of Aviation Incidents

Alaska’s vast, mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather make it one of the most challenging places in the world for aviation. Small aircraft are frequently used for transportation between remote communities where road travel is impossible. Unfortunately, the state has seen its share of aviation accidents due to extreme conditions, technical malfunctions, or pilot error.

This incident echoes previous disappearances, including the 1972 case of a small plane carrying U.S. Representatives Hale Boggs and Nick Begich, which was never found despite extensive search efforts. More recently, a 2021 Bering Air plane crashed near Nome due to poor visibility, though all passengers survived.

Families Await News as Authorities Race Against Time

Families of the missing passengers and crew are anxiously awaiting updates as search efforts continue. At Nome’s airport, relatives have gathered, hoping for word from authorities. Community members are also rallying together, offering support and assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the situation, urging state and federal agencies to do everything possible to locate the missing aircraft. “Our hearts are with the families of those on board. We are coordinating closely with all available resources to ensure a swift and thorough search operation.”

Next Steps in the Search and Investigation

Authorities are currently focusing on identifying the aircraft’s last known location through radar data and emergency transponder signals. If the plane went down, rescuers hope that the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was activated upon impact, which would send signals to search teams.

In the event of a crash, survival in Alaska’s frigid temperatures would be difficult without proper emergency gear. However, Bering Air is known for equipping its planes with emergency survival kits, giving rescuers hope that passengers may have been able to endure the conditions while awaiting help.

Officials are urging anyone with information about the flight or potential sightings of distress signals to contact Alaska State Troopers or local authorities immediately.

Developing Story: Updates to Follow

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The thoughts and prayers of communities across Alaska and beyond remain with those on board and their loved ones during this critical time.