Tragedy Strikes as All 10 Onboard Alaska Plane Confirmed Dead

A crash involving a Bering Air Cessna Grand Caravan near Nome, Alaska, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of all ten on board. Officials are gathering evidence as they prioritize recovery amidst challenging weather conditions.

Crews are tirelessly working to retrieve the bodies of ten individuals who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in Alaska. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), announced that the investigation is in its early phases, and the cause remains undetermined.

The ill-fated Cessna Grand Caravan, operated by regional carrier Bering Air, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome when it suddenly disappeared from radar. The aircraft, which included nine passengers and a pilot, went down in Norton Sound, approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome, a small city on Alaska's west coast.

Among those deceased are Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, employees of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, who were on site for maintenance work at a local water plant, according to a statement released from the organization on Friday.

During a recent news conference in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, Homendy addressed the recovery efforts, indicating that nine investigators and specialists from Washington DC are on the scene. "Our primary focus is on recovering the victims," she expressed, while also extending heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.

Homendy further disclosed that recovery teams are battling adverse weather conditions as the wreckage has settled on an ice floe that is shifting at a rate of five miles daily.

Bering Air expressed sympathy through a statement, assuring they will assist with the forthcoming investigation. The US Coast Guard reported the plane as "overdue" at 16:00 local time on Thursday (01:00 GMT). According to the Nome volunteer fire department, prior to contact loss, the pilot informed air traffic control that he was preparing to enter a holding pattern while awaiting runway clearance.

Following the incident, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski shared her condolences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Alaskan community. "Tragedy strikes, we're never far removed from the Alaskans directly impacted," she stated.

Governor Mike Dunleavy also expressed his sorrow, stating he is "heartbroken" over the disappearance of the flight. "Our prayers are with the passengers, the pilot, and their loved ones during this difficult time," he added.

The distance between Unakleet and Nome is roughly 150 miles across Norton Sound, which leads into the Bering Sea on Alaska’s western coast.