A single-engine turboprop plane belonging to Bering Air in the United States crashed while flying approximately 150 miles (240 kilometers) between Unalakleet and Nome, resulting in the loss of 10 lives.

The plane crash on February 6th has been recorded as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Alaska this century and the third major aviation disaster in the United States within eight days. Previously, a total of 67 people lost their lives on January 29th as a result of a collision between a commercial passenger plane and a military helicopter near the capital Washington. On January 31st, a medical evacuation plane crashed in Philadelphia, claiming the lives of six people on board and one person on the ground. According to the preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the crash, the plane was carrying half a ton more weight than its capacity for the weather conditions. Bering Air Operations Director David Olson stated that authorities lost contact with the plane shortly after takeoff. CLOSE TO HALF A TON OF EXCESS LOAD

The report indicated that the plane was too heavy for conditions that could cause icing at the speed and altitude the plane was flying. The final report of the crash will be published later on. An examination conducted after the crash determined that the estimated takeoff weight of the aircraft was approximately 9,865 pounds (4,475 kilograms). This figure exceeded the maximum takeoff weight for a flight where icing conditions were anticipated by about 1,058 pounds (480 kilograms). The Cessna Caravan aircraft disappeared approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of Nome. After intense search efforts, the wreckage was located the next day on a drifting ice mass. The pilot and all nine passengers on board lost their lives. Radar data provided by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol indicated that the plane experienced a sudden loss of altitude and speed, although the exact cause remains unclear. U.S. Coast Guard officials mentioned that the plane did not send any emergency signal.