NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Bering Air Flight 445 Crash

Photo Source: National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the tragic crash of Bering Air Flight 445, which claimed the lives of all 10 people on board on February 6, 2025. The nine-page report provides insight into the events leading up to the accident, including communications between air traffic controllers and the pilot, flight operations, and possible contributing factors such as aircraft weight.

Timeline of Events

The report begins with a summary of pilot communications, noting that the Nome Airport controller advised the pilot to delay the approach due to deicing operations on the runway.

“At 1514, the controller informed the pilot that the runway at PAOM was closed and expected to reopen in 10 to 15 minutes,” the report states. “The controller added that if the pilot wanted to ‘slow down a little bit’ to prevent the flight from arriving before the runway reopened, that would be fine, and the pilot acknowledged.”

Over the next few minutes, the pilot followed air traffic control instructions, including altitude adjustments. At 3:19 p.m., five minutes after being advised to slow down, the pilot leveled the aircraft at 4,000 feet. The NTSB report indicates that engine power gradually increased while airspeed decreased from 112 knots to 70 knots within seconds.

Shortly afterward, the autopilot disengaged, and the aircraft's altitude dropped rapidly.

“The final ADS-B data point was recorded at 1520:09,” the report states, showing the aircraft about 32 miles east of Nome’s airport and approximately 12 miles offshore over Norton Sound. A third-party tracking system recorded an altitude of 200 feet just seconds before air traffic control issued a low-altitude alert to the pilot.

“The controller’s efforts to contact the pilot were not successful,” the NTSB report states, “and no further communications were received.”

Potential Contributing Factors

One of the significant concerns noted in the preliminary report is the aircraft's weight at the time of departure. According to the NTSB, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicate the aircraft was equipped with an Aircraft Payload Extender III (APE III) system, allowing for a maximum gross takeoff weight of 9,062 lbs. However, the preliminary weight calculations revealed the aircraft exceeded these limits:

• The baggage and cargo weighed approximately 709 lbs.

• The estimated gross takeoff weight was around 9,865 lbs.

• The aircraft was approximately 1,058 lbs overweight for flight into known or forecast icing conditions.

• The aircraft exceeded the APE III flight manual supplement maximum weight by approximately 803 lbs.

Crash Site Findings

Imagery from the NTSB investigation revealed that the aircraft came to rest upright at the crash site. The propeller had separated from the engine and was found next to the wreckage. The fuselage exhibited upward crushing damage along its entire length, and both wings were damaged, with one partially detached.

“An initial airframe examination revealed no evidence of an in-flight structural failure,” the report states.

The NTSB will continue to examine the airframe, engine, and propeller, and a senior aerospace engineer will conduct a detailed performance and center-of-gravity review.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Following the report’s release, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan’s office issued a statement noting that the NTSB chairwoman and acting FAA administrator are expected to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee next week.

As investigations continue, the NTSB will conduct further assessments to determine the precise cause of the crash. A final report, including findings and safety recommendations, is expected in the coming months.