Missing Bering Air Flight Sparks Search in Alaska

NOME, Alaska

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A ground search has been launched for a Bering Air flight that disappeared Thursday afternoon while traveling from Unalakleet to Nome, officials said. The twin-engine Cessna Caravan, flight number 455, stopped transmitting its location at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time while flying at 1,400 feet. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive in Nome at 4:20 p.m.

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Danielle Sem, a spokesperson for the tribal non-profit Kawerak, said air support is unavailable due to inclement weather conditions, including icing, forcing the search to be conducted on the ground. Search parties from Nome and White Mountain have been mobilized, but no further details have been confirmed.

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Bering Air is a prominent airline in the region, known for operating Cessna Caravans that typically carry up to nine passengers. Sem stated that there were 10 individuals aboard flight 455.

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Norton Sound Health Corporation has expressed concern and is preparing for a potential “community medical emergency” following the plane’s disappearance. Reba Lean, a spokesperson for the health corporation, confirmed that the hospital is setting aside a space in its third-floor conference room to accommodate families of those on board.

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Bering Air has not yet issued a statement or been able to provide comment as of 6 p.m. local time.

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This story, however, is still developing and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.