A tragic incident occurred during the second annual Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, resulting in the death of a pilot flying an aerobatic plane. The crash happened at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, while the aircraft was performing a routine maneuver at Las Cruces International Airport. The event was immediately suspended, and authorities, including the New Mexico State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), began their investigation.
The aircraft involved was identified as an Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L, a small aerobatic plane known for its high-performance capabilities. According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, the plane crashed roughly half a mile west of the airport runway during the aerobatic display. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the pilot did not survive. While the identity of the pilot remains undisclosed, officials are giving the family time to arrive in Las Cruces before any further information is shared.
As part of the investigation, the NTSB is examining various aspects of the crash, including flight track data, maintenance records, weather conditions, and the pilot’s credentials and recent flight experience. Investigators will also review any available video footage or witness statements to reconstruct the events leading to the crash. The wreckage of the aircraft has been transported to a secure location for a more thorough examination.
The crash has left many in shock, especially those who witnessed the incident firsthand. Adrian Moreno, a bystander, expressed how traumatizing the event was, describing the emotional impact of witnessing such a devastating accident. The NTSB’s investigation is expected to take several weeks to months, with updates being provided as more information becomes available.
The Las Cruces Air and Space Expo, a highlight for aviation enthusiasts, has now been marred by this tragic event. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a skilled pilot who lost his life during what was supposed to be a thrilling aerial display.
