Technical failure, human error or extreme weather? The mystery of the Lost Alaska plane

The disappearance of a plane in full flight is a phenomenon that, despite technological advances, continues to occur in certain circumstances. This is the case of Cessna Caravan operated by Bering Airwhich disappeared Thursday afternoon while flying over the Norton Soundin Alaska, with 10 people on board. The aircraft stopped transmitting its location signalwhich activated an intensive and land intensive search that concluded with the discovery of the remains on Friday night, according to the Alaska Public Security Department and the United States Coast Guard.

The incident has generated questions about the factors that can lead to the total loss of communication and monitoring of an aircraft. Although navigation and tracking systems have advanced significantly in recent decades, extreme situations can overcome these technological barriers. The combination of mechanical failures, adverse weather conditions and human errors can create scenarios in which a plane disappears without immediate trace.

Before losing contact, the plane data showed a rapid altitude loss And speed, indicating a critical event in full flight. Although Alaska presents challenging geographical and weather conditions, the question persists: How can a plane disappear in the era of advanced technology?

The plane was equipped with a Transposea device that sends continuous information about altitude, speed and position to the receptors on land. However, if a Electrical failure or a problem with the transmitter, the signal can be interrupted. Jim BrauchleAir Force Aviation and former Air Force, explained to Use Today That the loss of communication does not always indicate an immediate disaster, but the lack of arrival at destination after several hours is a worrying signal.

The technology of Dependent automatic surveillance (ADS-Bfor its acronym in English) has reduced the frequency of these events by transmitting location data to the air traffic controlle In real time. However, this technology depends on the integrity of the electrical systems of the aircraft, which can be affected by mechanical failures, extreme climatic conditions or structural damage during the flight.

In some cases, the signal loss may be due to an intentional disconnection of the transponder by the pilot, although this is rare in regular commercial flights. In addition, electromagnetic interference or a catastrophic breakdown that simultaneously destroys several critical systems could explain the sudden disappearance of a radar plane.

In addition to technical failures, the spatial disorientation of the pilot It is a common risk factor, especially in Adverse weather conditions. This occurs when pilots lose the visual reference of the horizon due to fog, darkness or intense snow, which can lead to critical navigation errors. In Alaska, these conditions are frequent, increasing the complexity of the flights.

He National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) points out that Alaska presents one of the highest rates of Air accidents in the United States due to its injured geography and air transport dependence to connect remote communities. Most of these flights are made in small aircraft operating in extreme conditions.

Human errors may also include decision -making failures, pilot fatigue and lack of effective communication with aerial controllers. These factors are aggravated on solo flights or on little traveled routes, where external aid is limited.

The meteorological conditions The day of the incident included snow and Ice fogwith variable visibility between 1 and 7 miles (1.6 and 11.2 kilometers) at the starting point and half mile at 8 miles (0.8 to 12.8 kilometers) in Nome, according to Tom Kinesmain meteorologist of Accuweather. The variability of climatic conditions along the route could have affected the navigation of the aircraft, generating loss of control or failures in communication systems.

The water temperature In Norton Sound it was close to the point of freezing (0 ° C), which represents a significant risk of hypothermia For search and rescue teams, according to Kines. Search operations involved air, land and sea inspectionsincluding the review of sea ​​ice and coastal lines, the Nome Volunteer Fire Department reported.

Snow storms, strong cross wind and descending air currents are also common risks in Alaska aviation. These phenomena can affect the stability of the plane, its ability to maintain the altitude and effectiveness of navigation systems.

The last registration of the aircraft indicated that it was on the water. If the plane experienced a Energy lossit could have yet planned without propulsion, which made it difficult to estimate its final location. The authorities are based on the last registered altitude To calculate the possible distance traveled before impacting.

The Search equipment They used technology radar and specialized sensors To track the area, complementing the work of surveillance aircraft and vessels of the Coast Guard. Meteorological data were also analyzed to identify deviations in the plane’s trajectory.

In addition, satellite images and drones were used to expand the search area, which allowed to more quickly locate possible floating remains or emergency signals. International collaboration in rescue operations is also common in these cases, especially in areas near international air routes.

Although investigations to determine the causes of the accident can be extended, Brauchle stressed that factors such as mechanical failures, Pilot errors or spatial disorientation due to meteorology. The National Board of Transportation (NTSB) will send a team of researchers to collect evidenceinterview a Witnesses and analyze maintenance records of the aircraft.

In addition, the recovery of the Flight data recorderif present, to obtain detailed information about the last moments of the flight. The analysis of the Black box and of the Radar data It will be crucial to rebuild the sequence of events that led to the accident.

Researchers will also examine external factors as possible Failures in air traffic controlthe presence of Obstacles on the flight route and extreme climatic conditions not foreseen in meteorological reports.

This incident adds to other Recent aerial accidents In the United States. On January 29, a plane from American Airlines collided with a Army helicopter nearly Washington DCcausing 67 deaths, according to Use Today. Days later, a plane from Medical evacuation He crashed into a neighborhood of Philadelphiacausing the death of seven people and more than 20 injured.

Brauchle said that, although these accidents have occurred in a short period, it is about coincidences and not of a Emerging pattern. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB They lead research to better understand these events.