A medical evacuation transport flight that crashed in New Mexico on May 14 is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following increased media attention. The flight, which was traveling from Roswell Air Center to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on board, including two pilots and two nurses.
The NTSB's preliminary report indicated that the pilots were informed about potential GPS unavailability due to military jamming activities at White Sands Missile Range. The flight lost GPS capabilities shortly after takeoff, and air traffic control assisted the pilots in navigating to their destination. The crash occurred after the pilots transitioned to a visual approach, which placed responsibility for navigation on them.
The NTSB has stated that it is actively investigating the crash and has not yet determined the probable cause or contributing factors. The incident has drawn comparisons to past aviation accidents involving military activities, highlighting the need for clear communication between military and civilian aviation authorities. The Pentagon has not provided comments regarding the incident.