Tension as plane disappears mid-air in US, authorities begin search

US authorities are currently searching for a small aircraft carrying 10 people that went missing in Alaska.

According to the US Coast Guard, the Cessna Caravan aircraft, operated by Bering Air, was last recorded 12 miles (19 km) offshore while flying from Unalakleet to Nome before losing contact. The two cities are approximately 146 miles apart across the Norton Sound, an inlet of the Bering Sea.

Officials from the Alaska Department of Public Safety reported that the aircraft, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, was declared “overdue” at 4:00 PM local time on Thursday (01:00 GMT).

Reports indicate that the pilot had informed air traffic controllers of his intention to enter a holding pattern while waiting for the runway in Nome to be cleared. However, the plane lost communication shortly after departing from Unalakleet at 2:37 PM.

Search and rescue teams, including the US Coast Guard, National Guard, and state troopers, are working to locate the aircraft. However, adverse weather conditions have limited aerial search operations. Ground teams from Nome and White Mountain are actively searching the area.

Authorities have yet to release information about the identities of those on board.