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A new air accident occurred last Thursday in Alaska, resulting in 10 fatalities. This incident marks the third in just eight days.
The plane, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX from the regional airline Bering Air, crashed onto the sea ice of Norton Sound, in western Alaska, resulting in the death of the pilot and nine passengers.
The aircraft had taken off from Unalakleet heading to Nome when it disappeared from radar approximately one hour after takeoff. It was found on Friday afternoon, about 55 kilometers southeast of Nome.
The weather conditions at the time of the accident included light snow and fog, with temperatures of -8.3 degrees Celsius.
According to a report from CNN, the wreckage of the plane was on sea ice that officials described as young and unstable, and on top of that, heavy snowfall and winds are expected in the area this weekend.
The officials indicated that first the bodies will be recovered, then the plane will be taken for a more detailed analysis of what happened.
"We don't know how long that will take. It could be hours; potentially, days. Until tomorrow, we have 18 hours of potential recovery time.", said Jim West, head of the Nome Volunteer Fire Department, at a press conference.
The investigation into what caused the fatal accident is in the preliminary stage. Despite this, the lieutenant commander of the Coast Guard, Benjamin McIntyre-Coble, stated that the aircraft “experienced some type of event that resulted in a rapid loss of altitude and a rapid loss of speed”.
The bad weather and the lack of information regarding the aircraft's position from an emergency transmitter hampered search efforts from the very beginning, authorities mentioned.
By Friday morning, the National Guard and the Coast Guard added helicopter search teams, while another Coast Guard C-130 landed in Nome to assist, the fire department reported.
In recent weeks, the United States has experienced a series of air accidents that have raised national concerns:
Accident in Washington D.C.
On January 29, 2025, an American Airlines commercial flight, flight 5342, approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport, collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River.
The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter was transporting three military personnel. Unfortunately, there were no survivors.
Among the victims were prominent figure skaters and their coaches, who were returning from a camp in Wichita, Kansas.
The causes of the accident are still under investigation.
Accident in Philadelphia
On January 31, 2025, a private plane conducting a medical flight crashed in an urban area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On board were six Mexican citizens, including a girl who had received medical treatment. Tragically, all occupants died in the accident.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed the nationality of the victims and expressed her condolences.
Frequently asked questions about the recent air accidents in the United States
What happened in the plane crash in Alaska?
A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX from Bering Air crashed on the sea ice of Norton Sound, Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all 10 people on board. The aircraft had disappeared from radar and was found 55 kilometers southeast of Nome. Adverse weather conditions, such as light snow and fog, complicated the search and rescue efforts.
How many air accidents have occurred in the United States recently?
In the past eight days, three plane crashes have occurred in the United States. These include the accident in Alaska, one in Washington D.C. where a commercial plane and a military helicopter collided, and another in Philadelphia where a small aircraft crashed in an urban area.
What were the possible causes of the accident in Alaska?
The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude and speed. Although the investigation is in its preliminary stages, unfavorable weather conditions and the lack of information from an emergency transmitter complicated the rescue and may have contributed to the accident.
What impact have these accidents had on American aviation?
Recent aviation accidents have raised national concerns in the United States. The frequency and severity of these incidents highlight the need to review safety measures and emergency protocols in aviation, especially under adverse weather conditions.
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