Small medical plane crash near Ruidoso leaves four dead
Small medical plane crash near Ruidoso leaves four dead
A small medical plane crashed in the mountains near Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing all four aboard and sparking a forest wildfire.
Four people were killed when a small medical plane crashed in the mountains outside Ruidoso, New Mexico, sparking a wildfire in the surrounding forest. Investigators said the cause of the crash is not yet known and crews remain on scene.
The aircraft was on a short medical flight from Roswell to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, a leg of less than 30 minutes, when it went down. First responders arrived to find flames and smoke, with authorities closing nearby routes as firefighting teams battled the forest fire.
Investigators will review the wreckage, flight records, and weather data to determine what happened.
A neighbor described hearing a loud impact as the plane went down, while others worried about the spreading fire. Officials asked residents to stay clear of the area and heed any evacuation advisories if issued.
This crash adds to ongoing concerns about medical air transport safety, underscoring the risk pilots face on short-haul medical missions.
