Victims identified in medical plane crash in Capitán Mountain area
UPDATE (May 18, 2026) -- Trans Aero MedEvac, one of the medical transportation company who said its crew died in the plane crash, identified the four victims:
- Keelan Clark, Generation Jets Pilot
- Ali Kawsara, Generation Jets Pilot
- Sarah Clark, Trans Aero MedEvac Flight Nurse
- Jamie Novick, Trans Aero MedEvac Flight Nurse
Trans Aero MedEvac's vice president sent condolences to the victims' families Sunday.
"Sarah and Jamie embodied what it means to care for others," Matt Goertz said. "Their commitment to their patients and their teammates will never be forgotten, and their impact will continue to live on within our organization and the communities they served."
The president and CEO of Generation Jets said Clark and Kawsara's "professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten."
Trans Aero MedEvac didn't state a cause behind the crash. It said both companies are working with the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities in an ongoing investigation.
UPDATE (May 16, 2026) -- Lincoln County officials say the remains of the four people have been recovered.
UPDATE (4:21 p.m.) -- The fire connected to the plane crash spread to an estimated 35 acres, according to the Lincoln National Forest. The fire, now called the Seven Cabins Fire, is at 0% containment.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the fire started at 4:12 a.m. Thursday. It added, the public should avoid the area so first responders can work, but there are no evacuations or closures.
(Courtesy: New Mexico Fire Information, Lincoln National Forest)
According to New Mexico Fire Information, the Seven Cabins Fire is burning within a fire scar from 2024.
UPDATE (2:56 p.m.) -- Trans Aero MedEvac, a medical transport service from New Mexico, posted a statement on Facebook confirming the four plane passengers worked for the company.
"It is with profound sorrow that Trans Aero MedEvac confirms the loss of four members of our team following the crash of our fixed-wing aircraft during the early morning hours of May 14, 2026.
"Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, friends and coworkers of those lost in this tragedy. WE ask everyone to continue keeping the families of our crew members, as well as the first responders and personnel actively working this crisis, in your thoughts and prayers."
The transport company said the plane was reported overdue after it lost communication, calling for emergency response, as Lincoln County reported.
"The crash site remains an active emergency response and investigation scene. Fire suppression efforts associated with the incident are ongoing, and multiple agencies continue working under difficult terrain and conditions. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, fire personnel, law enforcement agencies, search and rescue teams, and all partner agencies assisting in this response."
Trans Aero MedEvac also said the workers' identities won't be released out of respect for their families.
"Safety has always been at the core of our mission and operations. Our focus right now remains on caring for our people, supporting the investigation, and honoring the lives of those we lost."
Trans Aero MedEvac gives air medical transport in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, according to the company.
UPDATE (10:14 a.m.) -- Lincoln County said a medical plane with four people crashed. No one survived.
According to the county, airport officials and county emergency services were called after the plane lost radar contact. The plane, a King Air, departed from Roswell and was heading to Sierra Blanca for a medical transport.
The crash also caused a fire, which is estimated to be less than five acres, the county said. The U.S. Forest Service is working with other agencies to put it out.
The cause of the crash is being investigated. The county said it will not name the passengers until their families know first.
Several local, state and federal agencies are now involved in handling the crash, including the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, New Mexico State Search and Rescue, state police, Lincoln County emergency services, fire departments, sheriff's office, Ruidoso police, emergency management and others.
LINCOLN COUNTY, N.M. (KVIA) -- Emergency crews in Lincoln County are responding to a fire in the Capitán Mountain area as well as a missing aircraft.
Officials said that the aircraft was on its way to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.
Lincoln County emergency personnel, fire departments, law enforcement and support agencies are actively responding and working to access the reported fire location to assess the situation and determine whether the fire and missing aircraft are related.
Officials ask the public to avoid the area.
This is a developing story we'll continue to update you both on air and online as we continue to learn more.
