Western Alaska communities came together in the wake of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 people in early February. In the days following the tragedy, residents organized a vigil, fundraisers, and gatherings to support those affected.
The crash occurred on February 6th when Bering Air Flight 445, carrying nine passengers and a pilot, went down en route from Unalakleet to Nome. After an extensive search involving multiple agencies and volunteers, the U.S. Coast Guard located the wreckage 34 miles southeast of Nome on February 7th.
Bering Air temporarily suspended all flights following the crash, resuming service the following Saturday. In a message on its website, the airline emphasized the weight of its decision to return to the skies so soon.
“It is crucial for us to share with you that the decision to resume flying so soon is not taken lightly,” the statement read. “As the sole provider of essential air travel in our region, we are deeply aware of the critical needs of the traveling public—whether for medical appointments, accessing life-saving medications, or other urgent travel needs. We feel a deep responsibility to continue serving these needs, even as we cope with the profound impact of this tragedy.”
As flights resumed, residents gathered in a show of unity and strength. In multiple villages, dozens of people welcomed arriving Bering Air flights. Community members joined hands in circles around planes, and others sang prayers in honor of the lives lost.
In Nome, Terry Komonaseak attended the vigil.“My grandpa always said, ‘Iñupiaq will help Iñupiaq,’ which makes a lot of sense. Human beings should help human beings, which makes lots and lots of sense. You never know when you’re going to go, this incident has proven that. Hopefully, it’s brought people closer together.”
Tony Haugen of Unalakleet echoed that sentiment. “When something like this happens in our region, it doesn’t just affect one community,” he said. “We feel the pain regionwide.”
On February 13th, KNOM aired a tribute show with support messages, memories, and music. A video with photos of communities meeting Bering Air flights and messages from local organizations and businesses is on KNOM’s YouTube and Facebook.
