Alaska Cessna Caravan Missing with 10 Aboard
A troubling incident in Alaska has left authorities searching for a missing Cessna Caravan carrying 10 people. On February 6, 2025, the Alaska Department of Public Safety received a dispatch message from the 11th Air Force Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) regarding an overdue aircraft. The missing aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan owned by Bering Air, was operating flight BRG445 on a domestic route from Unalakleet Airport (UNK) in western Alaska to Nome Airport (OME) in the state’s far north.
The aircraft, carrying nine passengers and one pilot, departed Unalakleet at 14:39 local time and was scheduled to land at Nome at 16:20. However, radio contact was lost approximately 10 minutes before the expected arrival time, and the plane’s last data, captured by Flightradar24, indicated it was flying at an altitude of 3,400 feet and a speed of 115 mph. Prior to losing contact, the pilot had informed Anchorage Air Traffic Control that he planned to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway to be cleared.
Local authorities have not yet determined the exact location of the missing aircraft, and efforts are underway to pinpoint its final coordinates. Alaska State Trooper crews are actively searching the area, while the US Coast Guard has joined the operation. Due to poor weather conditions and low visibility, the search has so far been limited to aerial efforts. The Coast Guard has deployed an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, which is flying a grid pattern over the water and shoreline. Equipped with specialized search and rescue technology, the HC-130 is designed to locate objects and individuals even in conditions of minimal visibility.
The aircraft was reportedly last seen approximately 12 miles offshore, which has added to the challenge of locating it. The Nome Volunteer Fire Department is also assisting in the search, and the local Nome Police Department has reached out to community members. Authorities have requested that local residents who own a working flat-bottom boat or Jon boat come forward to help with the rescue operation, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This incident marks a significant concern for aviation safety in the region, as a missing aircraft with multiple passengers prompts a comprehensive, multi-agency response. The combination of adverse weather and the challenging terrain of Alaska complicates the search efforts, and officials are urging patience as the investigation unfolds. While the exact cause of the loss of contact is still unknown, investigators are examining all possibilities, including technical malfunctions and human factors.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with state troopers, the US Coast Guard, and local emergency services, continues to coordinate a thorough search operation. Families of the passengers and crew are anxiously awaiting updates, while authorities remain committed to locating the aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board.
As the investigation proceeds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent challenges of aviation in remote and harsh environments like Alaska. Further updates are expected as search teams work to piece together the events leading up to the aircraft’s disappearance and determine its current location.
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