A small commuter plane en route to Nome, western Alaska, crashed and was found on sea ice Friday, with all 10 people on board confirmed dead, making it one of the state’s deadliest aviation incidents in 25 years.
The U.S. Coast Guard located the wreckage after searching the aircraft’s last known location.
Two rescue swimmers confirmed the grim discovery amid unstable ice conditions. Images showed the shattered plane surrounded by debris on the ice.
Nome officials, including Mayor John Handeland, expressed sorrow and urged the community to support each other. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski also mourned the loss.
The single-engine turboprop plane, operated by Bering Air, lost contact less than an hour after departing Unalakleet with nine passengers and a pilot.
Weather conditions were snowy and foggy, with temperatures around 17°F (-8.3°C). Forensic radar data indicated a sudden and unexplained loss of speed and altitude.
Efforts have now shifted to recovery as weather conditions worsen.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and prayer services are being held for the victims.
Flying remains a critical mode of transportation in Alaska, given its vast terrain and limited infrastructure.
This incident is the third major U.S. aviation mishap in eight days, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the aviation industry.
