The family of one of the victims who died in a Bering Air plane crash last year is suing the regional airline. The news came a day before the anniversary of the crash, which killed all 10 people on board and shook communities in Northwest Alaska.
Bering Air Flight 445 was on its regularly scheduled route from Unalakleet to Nome on Feb. 6, 2025 when it crashed about 30 miles southeast of Nome.
The family of JaDee Moncur, one of the passengers, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Nome Superior Court on Thursday.
"It's a hard week one year the same week after the accident," said Casey DuBose, an attorney with Aviation Law Group, which is based in Seattle and represents the family. "But as we've done our investigation, we have enough evidence, and we decided it's time to get moving forward with this litigation so that their family can get answers and some justice out of this terrible incident."
Bering Air did not respond Thursday to a request for comment.
The federal National Transportation Safety Board has not released its full investigation into the crash. However, a preliminary report found that the Cessna Caravan was almost a thousand pounds overweight when it flew into icing conditions.
The plaintiffs argue that led to the crash.
"This aircraft flew into an area of known ice, and we think that that's ultimately the cause of what had the aircraft lose control," DuBose said. "As you fly into icing conditions, that ice, as it accumulates on the airframe, adds an incredible amount of weight, very rapidly."
The court complaint also alleges that the plane flew without adequate safeguards for the conditions, though that has not been confirmed by federal investigators. DuBose said the allegations are based on the NTSB's preliminary report and an independent investigation by the law group.
The crash victims included a mentor to new teachers, a school counselor and two employees with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium who were traveling to service a local water plant. Moncur, 52, was one of six victims from Southcentral Alaska.
Moncur was born in Wyoming and moved to Alaska in 2008, his family had said in an obituary. An avid outdoorsman and church volunteer, Moncur worked as a project engineer and lived in Eagle River. He is survived by his wife and three adult children.
The family said in a written statement that they appreciate the outpouring of support they have received throughout the year.
"In the wake of this tragedy, we have taken legal action to seek answers and accountability regarding the circumstances of the crash," the family said. "We hope that through this process, we can contribute to greater aviation safety so that others do not have to endure what we have."
NTSB officials said they anticipate the final investigation into the crash to be released in early summer.
Copyright 2026 KNBA