A devastating incident occurred at the Las Cruces Air and Space Expo in New Mexico on Sunday, October 20, when a plane performing in the air show crashed, resulting in one fatality. The accident, which took place around 2:30 p.m., led to the immediate cancellation of the remainder of the event.
New Mexico State Police, who are investigating the crash, confirmed that one person lost their life in the incident. Local newspapers reported that it was the plane’s pilot who perished in the accident.
Andy Hume, director of the Las Cruces International Airport, issued a brief statement on the City of Las Cruces Facebook page, referring to the incident as a “single aircraft incident.” He mentioned that the family of the air show performer involved had been contacted but did not confirm any injuries or fatalities at that time.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. According to their preliminary information, the aircraft involved was an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L, a two-seater plane. The crash occurred approximately half a mile west of the Las Cruces airport while the plane was performing at the air show.
An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive in Las Cruces on Monday to begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The plane will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further investigation. The NTSB has requested that witnesses to the crash or those with relevant surveillance footage contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.
The agency emphasized that it does not have a role in releasing the identities of crash victims or the extent of injuries, stating that such information is handled by local authorities. A preliminary report on the accident is expected to be available within 30 days.
This tragic event highlights the inherent risks associated with air shows and the importance of thorough safety measures and investigations following such incidents. As the community of Las Cruces and the aviation world mourn the loss of a skilled pilot, the focus now turns to understanding the cause of the crash to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by air show performers and the need for continued vigilance in aviation safety practices at public events.
