A small plane heading to Name went missing on Thursday, February 6. An hour after leaving Unalakleet, officials lost contact with the Cessna Caravan, according to The Associated Press. The Coast Guard did not receive any emergency messages from the plane at the time. The recovery operation, unfortunately, found the plane's debris on Friday, February 7. The 10 adult passengers inside were reported dead.
Videos by Wide Open Country
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska initially reported the search for the Cessna Caravan and its 10 passengers on its official X account. Sadly, they also issued an update on Friday night, confirming that the plane's wreckage was found and that all aboard were dead.
"#USCG has ended its search for the missing plane after the aircraft was located approx. 34 miles southeast of Nome. 3 individuals were found inside and reported to be deceased," U.S. Coast Guard Alaska wrote. They attached a picture of the debris, with two people inspecting the wreckage.
"The remaining 7 people are believed to be inside the aircraft but are currently inaccessible due to the condition of the plane. Our heartfelt condolences are with those affected by this tragic incident."
On
Facebook, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department also provided an update before the U.S. Coast Guard Alaska post. "The Nome Search and Rescue Team is spooling up with assistance from the Alaska Air National Guard with recovery efforts," the fire department wrote. "From reports we have received, the crash was not survivable. Our thoughts are with the families at this time."Tragic Incident
All aboard the plane (one pilot and nine passengers) were adults. According to Alaska's News Source, and reported by the AP, two of the passengers were on a work trip for a non-profit tribal health organization.
The U.S. Civil Air Patrol provided radar forensic data that revealed that the Cessna Caravan experienced some sort of event that "caused them to experience a rapid loss in elevation and a rapid loss in speed." The event that took place at 3:18 p.m. on Thursday, was not specified by Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benajmin McIntyre-Coble.
Understandably, the whole incident has left many heartbroken. In particular, Nome Mayor John Handelad gave some emotional remarks following the rescue efforts and the subsequent finding of the plane's wreckage.
"Nome is a strong community, and in challenging times we come together and support each other," Handeland said. "I expect the outpouring of support to continue in the coming days as we all work to recover from this tragic incident."
According to PEOPLE, the National Transportation Safety Board is assisting with the incident's investigation.
