Former NTSB Expert Analyzes New Mexico Medical Plane Crash

Overview of the Crash

A Beechcraft King Air 90 aircraft crashed into the Capitan Mountains in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The incident occurred shortly after a fire was reported in the area. According to FlightAware, the medical aircraft crashed at 12:19 a.m., approximately 30 minutes after taking off from the Roswell Air Center. The plane was en route to the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.

Lincoln County officials confirmed that all four individuals on board died at the scene. Aero Trans MedEvac, the company involved, released a statement expressing their condolences and support for the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.

Identified Victims

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Trans Aero MedEvac issued a joint statement with Generation Jets, identifying the four individuals who were killed in the crash:

• Keelan Clark, a pilot for Generation Jets
• Ali Kawsara, another pilot for Generation Jets
• Sarah Clark, a flight nurse for Trans Aero MedEvac
• Jamie Novick, also a flight nurse for Trans Aero MedEvac

During a press conference, Lincoln County Manager Jason Burns stated that the King Air aircraft, which was traveling from Roswell, New Mexico, to Sierra Regional Airport for medical transport, did not arrive as scheduled in the early morning hours of May 14.

Emergency Response and Investigation

The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services was immediately notified after communications and radar lost contact with airport personnel. According to Burns, emergency response protocols were initiated after reports of a missing aircraft and a fire in the Capitan Mountains were received.

On Thursday, KOAT spoke with former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Alan Diehl about possible causes of the crash. He provided insights into the challenges faced during such flights, particularly when weather conditions and terrain are combined with night operations.

Aircraft Crash Details

• Aircraft: Beechcraft King Air 90, MedEvac N249CP
• Flight Take Off: Roswell Air Center at 11:51 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026
• Flight Crashed: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 12:19 a.m.
• Highest Altitude Recorded: 9,300 ft. before the crash
• Note: The highest point in the Capitan Mountains is at 10,201 ft.

Additional Information

• FNS NOTAM Search | FAA
• https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/results
• Issuing Airport: (SRR) Sierra Blanca Rgnl
• NOTAM Number: 05/009
• Effective Time Frame:
• Beginning: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 2256 (UTC) 3:56 P.M.
• Ending: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2359EST (UTC)
• Affected Areas:
• Airport: SRR
• Type: Automated Weather Broadcast System

• Status: Out of Service

• Issuing Airport: (SRR) Sierra Blanca Rgnl

• NOTAM Number: 05/013
• Effective Time Frame:
• Beginning: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1313 (UTC) 7:13
• Ending: Monday, May 18, 2026, 2000EST (UTC)
• ILS Status:
• Runway: 24
• ILS Type: Instrument Landing System
• Instrument landing status: Out of Service

• Affected Facility: SRR, SIERRA BLANCA RGNL, RUIDOSO, NM.

• NOTAM Number: 6/0398 (ISSUED TODAY AT 7:40)

• Effective Time Frame:
• Valid From: 2605141440
• Valid To: 2612241440EST
• Procedure Affected: Instrument Approach Procedure
• ILS OR LOC RWY 24, AMDT 1
• PROCEDURE NA
• EXCEPT FOR ACFT EQUIPPED WITH SUITABLE RNAV SYSTEM WITH GPS, CME VORTAC OUT OF SERVICE.

Diehl highlighted the challenges of medevac flights, especially under difficult conditions such as those encountered on this particular journey. He emphasized the importance of the cockpit voice recorder and terrain awareness warning system in the investigation.

Ongoing Investigations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will continue to investigate the crash. As of now, the cause of the crash remains unknown. The NTSB will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the potential impact of the out-of-service ATIS on the crew's operations.

Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Wood expressed his devastation on Facebook following the crash, stating, "This is a devastating loss."

This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest news through reliable sources.