ALBAWABA- A plane carrying 10 people that disappeared mid-flight in rural Alaska has been found, with authorities confirming there were no survivors. Three bodies have been recovered so far.
Search continue for survivors after American Airlines plane crash with Black Hawk helicopterThe U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) located the wreckage of Bering Air Flight 455 approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome on Friday afternoon, following an extensive search in severe winter conditions. "Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident," the USCG said in a statement.
The aircraft, which took off from Unalakleet at 2:37 p.m. on Thursday, lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour later while flying over Norton Sound, just 10 minutes before its scheduled arrival in Nome.
Authorities reported that the plane suffered "some kind of event," causing a rapid loss of altitude and speed.
Emergency responders faced near-zero visibility conditions during the search and urged the public not to attempt private rescue efforts. By Friday, all passengers and crew had been presumed dead, and their families were notified.
All those on board were adults, officials confirmed. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Ben McIntyre-Coble stated that the flight was a "regularly scheduled commuter flight."
The Coast Guard officially declared all aboard deceased around 3 p.m. local time on Friday.
