Authorities are currently engaged in a search and rescue operation for an overdue aircraft operated by Bering Air, which went missing on Thursday afternoon. The Alaska Department of Public Safety reported that the aircraft, carrying a total of ten individuals including nine passengers and a pilot, was last heard from at around 4:00 PM local time (01:00 GMT).
The pilot had communicated with air traffic control, indicating an intention to enter a holding pattern while awaiting clearance for landing at Nome, the intended destination. However, after failing to arrive as scheduled, concerns grew, prompting the initiation of search efforts.
In response to the situation, the U.S. Coast Guard has deployed a search plane equipped with specialized technology designed to locate missing aircraft and individuals in challenging visibility conditions. This aircraft is conducting a grid search over both the water and the nearby shoreline to identify any signs of the missing plane.
Additionally, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage has contributed by providing flight support to assist in the ongoing search efforts. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the identities of those on board or the circumstances leading to the aircraft’s delay.
Bering Air has been contacted for comments regarding the incident, but details remain scarce as rescue operations continue. The safety of those on board remains the primary focus of the search teams as they work diligently to locate the aircraft.