A Bering Air single-engine turboprop plane, undertaking a routine afternoon flight between Unalakleet and Nome, Alaska, found itself in perilous conditions as it navigated through an area prone to moderate icing at altitudes between 2,000 and 8,000 feet. Onboard conditions were exacerbated by the aircraft being half a ton overweight, raising significant safety concerns.
The flight occurred in an environment deemed hazardous for light aircraft, with the plane's estimated gross weight at departure reaching approximately 9,865 pounds. This exceeded the maximum allowable takeoff gross weight of 8,807 pounds for flights under potential icing conditions by 1,058 pounds. Such excess posed additional risks given the forecasted weather.
Radar data from the US civil air patrol revealed the plane experienced a sudden loss in elevation and speed, a situation that remains puzzling to the US Coast Guard. At its last radar sighting, the aircraft was recorded at an altitude of 3,400 feet. The cause of this rapid descent remains undetermined, with investigations ongoing.
Attention is now focused on the plane's anti-icing system, installed on its wings and tail. This equipment will undergo thorough examination as investigators seek to understand its role during the flight. The system's functionality in such weather conditions is crucial to maintaining safe operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced an investigation to uncover more details about the incident. Preliminary reports from the NTSB typically do not conclude the cause of accidents, as they serve to gather initial data while comprehensive investigations continue.