Era plane slides off runway at Kipnuk

BETHEL (AP) -- An Era Aviation flight from Bethel to Kipnuk had a rough landing Tuesday.

The Era twin-otter slid off the runway and hit a snow bank before coming to a halt.

Era President Chuck Johnson told KYUK-radio that none of the eight passengers or two crew members were injured.

As the pilot was landing, Johnson said, crosswinds and a slick runway combined to cause the plane to slide off the side of the runway.

When the plane reached a snow berm, it turned to the right and the nose gear tore off.

ERA sent a second plane to Kipnuk to transport passengers back to Bethel to receive treatment at the hospital. Most refused medical treatment, Johnson said.