A tragic plane accident near Nome, Alaska, claimed the lives of ten on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 7.

A small passenger plane operated by Bering Air crashed into sea ice, and authorities have since identified all ten victims as investigations into the cause continue, as ABC News reports.

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 208B, designated as Bering Air Flight 445. It was en route from Unalakleet Airport to Nome Airport when it vanished from radar.

The expected arrival time passed without any sign of the aircraft, triggering concern. By 4:30 p.m. local time on that day, the plane was officially classified as overdue, prompting search and rescue efforts.

Officials Swiftly Initiate Search Operations

Radar data later revealed a sharp drop in altitude at around 3:18 p.m. This rapid decline suggested that an unspecified event had occurred, effectively sealing the aircraft's fate.

By Friday, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter located the wreckage on a moving ice floe, approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome.

Rescue swimmers deployed from the helicopter were the first to survey the crash site. They confirmed the grim reality that all ten individuals on board had perished.

Identification of the victims followed their recovery and transportation to Nome, offering some closure to grieving families.

Victims Range from Pilot to Professionals

The pilot was identified as 34-year-old Chad Antill of Nome. The nine passengers, all adults, were a mix of Alaskan residents from various communities, ranging in age from 30 to 58. Notably, Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, both from Anchorage, worked for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.

David Beveridge, Vice President of Environmental Health and Engineering at the consortium, highlighted their commitment.

“They had the skills to help people across Alaska and the devotion to do so under any conditions,” Beveridge stated. "These two members of our team lost their lives serving others."

Unclear Weather Conditions Pose Challenges

The situation was further complicated by challenging weather conditions. The ice floe, where the wreckage was found, moved approximately five miles daily. This dynamic environment added layers of difficulty to the recovery process. Multiple agencies, including the Alaska State Troopers and Nome Volunteer Fire Department, collaborated in the rescue and recovery operations. Various resources, such as helicopters and an aircraft from the Alaska National Guard, were deployed efficiently.

Coast Guard Officer Ben McIntyre-Coble reported on the accident, emphasizing the sudden loss in altitude. “Radar analysis shows that at approximately 3:18 p.m. Thursday, the aircraft experienced some kind of event which caused them to experience a rapid loss in elevation,” he said. However, specifics regarding this event remain elusive.

Extensive Agency Collaboration Involved

During the search efforts, an “item of interest” was detected Friday morning, though further details were pending investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard's Alaska maritime region noted that the aircraft's position was last recorded 12 miles offshore.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, noted, “It's still too early to tell what caused the crash as the agency begins its investigation.” Therefore, the cause of the crash remains under scrutiny, leaving many questions unanswered for the families and agencies involved.

Community and Authorities Help with Response

Assistance in the recovery of bodies was orchestrated by the Alaska State Troopers. "The Alaska State Troopers were handling the recovery of the bodies," confirmed Coast Guard Lt. Commander Mike Salerno. Through the challenging conditions, responders demonstrated notable coordination and urgency in handling the sensitive aftermath.

With so many professionals involved, the incident has shaken local communities across Alaska. The victims were individuals who contributed to society, including those who were part of critical infrastructure services. The loss has served as a sobering reminder of the unexpected dangers faced by those traveling -- even routinely -- through remote and severe environments.

While the families mourn their losses, efforts continue to determine what unfolded on that fateful flight. As investigators piece together clues from the debris, answers sought will not only help in understanding the crash but may also aid in preventing similar tragedies in the future.