A Bering Air flight carrying nine passengers and one pilot has vanished while flying over Alaska, prompting a frantic search operation amid severe weather conditions.

Aircraft Goes Missing En Route to Nome

The flight, which was traveling from Unalakleet to Nome, was reported overdue when it failed to arrive as scheduled around 4 p.m. local time on Thursday, February 6.

Authorities have since been working to track the plane’s last known location, but poor weather and visibility have hindered air search efforts.

Emergency Response Underway

The Nome Volunteer Fire Department confirmed in a statement:

“We are currently responding to a report of a missing Bering Air Caravan. We are conducting an active ground search from Nome and from White Mountain. Due to weather and visibility, we are limited on air search at the current time.

Emergency response teams, including the National Guard, Coast Guard, and Alaska State Troopers, have been activated and are actively assisting in the search.

The Norton Sound Health Corporation has also been placed on standby to provide medical and emotional support for families affected.

Pilot’s Last Known Communication

Authorities revealed that the last known communication with the pilot occurred when he radioed Anchorage Air Traffic Control, informing them of his intention to “enter a holding pattern” while awaiting the clearance of the runway in Nome.

Public Urged Not to Search

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid forming individual search parties due to the extreme conditions in the area.

“We ask the public to please think of those who may be missing at this time, but due to weather and safety concerns, please do not form individual search parties,” officials stated.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.