Sat Feb 08 01:14:52 UTC 2025: ## Alaska Plane Crash Kills All 10 Onboard
**JUNEAU, Alaska —** A small commuter plane crashed in western Alaska on Friday, killing all 10 people on board, authorities confirmed. The Bering Air Cessna Caravan, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome when it went down approximately 30 miles southeast of Nome.
The wreckage was located on sea ice by the U.S. Coast Guard following a search effort involving helicopters and rescue swimmers. The plane, operating at maximum passenger capacity, disappeared from radar around 3:18 p.m. Thursday, after experiencing a sudden loss of altitude and speed, according to the Coast Guard. No distress signals were received.
Weather conditions at the time included light snow, fog, and a temperature of 17 degrees Fahrenheit. The Coast Guard noted that the plane’s emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not activate, despite the aircraft being exposed to sea water. Investigators are currently looking into why the ELT did not function.
This tragedy marks the third major U.S. aviation mishap in less than two weeks, following a jetliner and helicopter collision near Washington D.C., and a medical plane crash in Philadelphia. Alaska’s reliance on air travel, particularly in remote communities, has highlighted the dangers of flying in challenging winter conditions.
Nome, the plane’s destination, announced prayer vigils for the victims and their families. Federal and state officials, including Alaska’s senators and governor, expressed their condolences and offered support to the community. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the cause of the crash.
First Piper 