One dead after plane crash after sightseeing flight

UPDATE: The Acting City Manager for the city of Alamogordo, New Mexico provided additional details in the death of one person after a reported plane crash.

According to Stephanie J. Hernandez, Acting City Manager, staff at the Alamogordo Airport reported the pilot arrived about 8 a.m. on Wednesday and was seen departing the airport by local pilots about 11:30 a.m.

Family members went to the airport about 5 p.m. to notify staff "their family members had not returned from a sightseeing flight".

The airport staff contacted the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority, Alamogordo Police and Fire to help in the search efforts.

"The cities initial efforts, focus on rapid communication  to Otero County Sheriffs office, Albuquerque Airport officials who issued a missing aircraft notice, and other agencies that could assist in gathering information," said Hernandez.

Otero County Sheriff took initial control of the investigation. New Mexico State Police has now taken over the case.

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico (KVIA) - New Mexico State Police confirm one person is dead in a plane crash near Alamogordo, New Mexico.

On Wednesday evening, family members reported a relative had not returned from a flight and members of the New Mexico State Police Search and Rescue were sent to the area near the Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided NMSP with the last known coordinate to help in the search.

"Due to the terrain the exact location couldn't be confirmed overnight," said a Public Information Officer with NMSP.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.