Alaska air disaster: Deadliest plane crash in 25 years, wreckage retrieval underway

Anchorage, Alaska: The mortal remains of all 10 people killed in the Bering Seaplane crash have been successfully recovered, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The single-engine turboprop aircraft, operated by Bering Air, disappeared from radar on Thursday afternoon while en route from Unalakleet to Nome. The wreckage was discovered floating on an ice floe, drifting approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) per day.

Bodies recovered, aircraft retrieval underway

The Nome Volunteer Fire Department announced via Facebook, "All ten individuals aboard the Bering Airplane have been officially brought home." Recovery teams are now focusing on retrieving the aircraft wreckage, with plans to deploy a Black Hawk helicopter to assist in the operation.

One of Alaska’s deadliest air disasters in 25 years

This crash is among Alaska’s deadliest aviation accidents in the past 25 years. The pilot, 34-year-old Chad Antill of Nome, was among those killed, with the other victims ranging in age from 30 to 58 years old. Nome, located just south of the Arctic Circle, is widely recognized as the finish line of the 1,000-mile Iditarod sled dog race.

As recovery efforts continue, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, warning of heavy snowfall and winds up to 45 mph (72 km/h) through Sunday evening, which could impact rescue operations.

Investigation: What caused the deadly crash?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of investigators to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary radar data provided by the US Civil Air Patrol indicates the plane experienced a sudden loss of altitude and speed. However, officials have not confirmed whether the pilot issued a distress signal before the crash.

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin McIntyre-Coble stated, "There is no current indication that an emergency locating transmitter activated upon impact." This system, designed to send a distress signal to the Coast Guard if a plane crashes into water, did not function as expected.