ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A tragic incident occurred last week when a commuter flight tragically went down on the icy terrain of Alaska, resulting in the loss of all 10 individuals on board. This flight was part of an essential network of short-distance air travel that many residents in the state rely on for various crucial activities such as attending medical appointments, engagement in work meetings, procuring necessary supplies, or even traveling for sports events.
Among those onboard were two men who were en route to work on a heat recovery system critical for a local water facility. Additionally, a retired educator was traveling to provide mentorship to fellow teachers, while another passenger was on his way to a medical consultation.
Given the vastness of Alaska, it is said that if a postage stamp were placed on an average sheet of paper, it would symbolize the accessibility a person can achieve via different modes of transportation. Outside the primary population centers, mainly a 360-mile stretch between Anchorage and Fairbanks, road access is severely limited, leaving approximately 80% of communities isolated.
Traveling by air becomes essential for many residents, explained Dylan Blankenship, a spokesperson for the state’s transportation department. He emphasized the significant difference by stating, “A mile on the road will only take you a mile, but a mile of runway can take you anywhere.”
The tragedy unfolded last week when the Bering Air single-engine turboprop, instrumental in this vital transportation service, crashed while on a flight from Unalakleet to Nome, covering a distance of around 150 miles. The plane was discovered the next day on a floating ice mass in Norton Sound, southwest of Nome, following extensive search efforts. Investigations regarding the cause of the accident are ongoing, with the ten fatalities marking it as one of the most devastating aviation accidents in Alaska in the past 25 years.
Among the deceased were Rhone Baumgartner, 46, and Kameron Hartvigson, 41, who were in Unalakleet to work on the critical heat recovery system for the community’s water supply, as reported by their employer, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Also among those aboard was Talaluk Katchatag, 34, who was traveling for medical purposes according to his family. Carol Mooers, 48, a school counselor from Unalakleet, was heading to Anchorage and Juneau to escort students on college tours, as mentioned by her family through an online fundraiser.
Liane Ryan, a former teacher in Wasilla who dedicated 27 years to education in south-central Alaska, was involved in a mentorship program for teachers and was in Unalakleet to offer her support. Her previous school, Redington Junior/Senior High School, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, recalling her as a “pillar of joy, positivity, and encouragement” who left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.
Bering Air connects 32 villages in western Alaska, operating from hubs in Nome, Kotzebue, and Unalakleet, with most destinations being served by two scheduled flights daily from Monday to Saturday. The airline expressed deep sorrow in a public statement, saying, “Our hearts are heavy with grief as we process this heartbreaking news. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.”
Community members who depend on Bering Air have shown overwhelming support in the aftermath of the crash. In the days following the accident, local residents welcomed pilots back in various locations such as Golovin, a small Inupiat Eskimo village, and other rural communities like Noatak and Teller.
In Golovin, residents gathered braving the harsh cold and strong winds to greet a pilot as he landed. They raised cardboard hearts with messages like, “We love Bering Air” and “Golovin loves you, Bering Air.” “Everyone was emotional,” remarked Irene Navarro, a lifelong resident, who documented the touching reception via social media. “We just wanted to express our love and reassure them that we are still here and will continue to be customers.”_
