Single-Engine Aircraft Crash in Norton Sound (N321BA)

Flight Details and Departure Information<br><br>A single-engine aircraft departed from Unalakleet Airport on Runway 33 at 1538 local time. The aircraft was operating as flight BRG445, a regular service flight to Nome. The aircraft was carrying nine passengers and one pilot at the time of departure.<br><br>## Flight Progression and Loss of Contact<br><br>Following departure, the aircraft maintained an altitude of 7,700 feet for approximately 30 minutes. The pilot subsequently reduced the aircraft's altitude to 5,300 feet. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost at 1516 local time, at which point the aircraft was approximately 70 kilometers from the destination airport.<br><br>## Wreckage Discovery and Casualties<br><br>The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered the following day on sea ice in Norton Sound. The crash site was located approximately 34 miles (54.7 kilometers) southeast of Nome. There were no survivors from the incident.