After an extensive search, the wreckage of the aircraft, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, was discovered on sea ice Friday afternoon (local time) in Alaska, US, by a team from the US Coast Guard using a helicopter.

The plane was en route from the small town of Unalakleet in western Alaska to Nome, located south of the Arctic Circle, at 2:37 p.m. The flight was expected to last about an hour. However, while crossing Norton Sound, the plane lost contact at an altitude of 5,300 feet.

The Coast Guard announced on X: “USCG has concluded its search for the missing plane after the aircraft was located approximately 34 miles southeast of Nome. Three individuals were found inside and are confirmed deceased. READ MORE BELOW

“The remaining seven are believed to still be in the aircraft, but are currently unreachable due to the condition of the plane. Our deepest condolences go out to those affected by this tragic event.”

During a press conference on Friday, USCG Lieutenant Commander Ben McIntyre-Coble stated that the plane lost altitude and speed quickly due to “some kind of event.” The exact cause of the crash remains unclear.