"Tragic Plane Crash in Alaska: Wreckage of Missing Bering Air Flight Found, 3 Dead, 7 Unaccounted For"

Coast Guard Locates Wreckage of Missing Alaska Plane, 3 Dead, 7 Still Unaccounted For

The wreckage of Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B aircraft that disappeared on Thursday, has been found on sea ice approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, Alaska. The plane, which was carrying 10 people, is believed to have crashed, and all passengers, including the pilot, are presumed dead.

On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the wreckage matched the description of the missing aircraft. Three bodies were discovered inside the plane, but due to the wreckage's condition, authorities have not yet been able to access the other seven passengers, who are also presumed to be deceased.

"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this devastating event," said the U.S. Coast Guard in a statement.

The search for the missing aircraft began Thursday afternoon after Bering Air Flight 445 went off radar while en route from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska, at around 3:20 p.m. local time. The plane was 12 miles offshore when it disappeared.

Search teams, including crews from the Coast Guard, Alaska Army National Guard, and other local agencies, faced challenging weather conditions as they scoured the region for the wreckage. A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter located the crash site on Friday, and rescue swimmers were deployed to assess the wreckage.

Radar analysis indicated that around 3:18 p.m., the plane experienced a rapid loss of speed and altitude, but the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with Chair Jennifer Homendy expected to travel to Alaska this weekend to oversee the inquiry.