Investigators say one unexpected problem set the stage for a fatal medical flight crash

NewsA routine medical flight encountered an unexpected problem before tragedy struck in New MexicoFederal investigators say a medical evacuation flight encountered GPS disruptions during a military jamming exercise before crashing into the Capitan Mountains while approaching Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)AP Photo/John LocherA preliminary federal investigation into a fatal medical transport flight in New Mexico has identified military GPS interference as a significant factor that complicated the crew’s flight, though investigators have not concluded it was the direct cause of the crash, The Economic Times reported. The National Transportation Safety Board said the aircraft encountered navigation disruptions before striking mountainous terrain while approaching its destination, according to The International Business Times.The twin-engine Beechcraft King Air departed Roswell Air Center shortly before midnight on July 20, 2025, on a medical evacuation flight bound for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport near Ruidoso. Investigators said weather conditions were clear, but the flight took place on a dark, moonless night, leaving pilots with few visual references outside the cockpit. According to investigators, the flight was operating under instrument flight rules when the crew notified Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center that the aircraft had lost GPS capability. Controllers observed the airplane was above its assigned altitude and issued new headings to help guide the flight toward Sierra Blanca Regional Airport while the navigation issues continued. The NTSB said several aircraft in the area experienced similar navigation problems at the same time because of ongoing military GPS jamming activity. Air traffic controllers contacted the military during the incident and requested that the jamming be suspended. Flight data later indicated the aircraft’s GPS system resumed functioning before the crew reported having the nearby town of Ruidoso in sight and elected to continue under visual flight rules. Investigators said the airplane continued toward the airport but flew into rising terrain in the Capitan Mountains. Flight data showed the aircraft climbing just before impact, suggesting the crew may have recognized the terrain hazard moments before the collision. The aircraft struck the mountainside below the summit, killing those on board. The preliminary report does not identify a probable cause, but it outlines several circumstances investigators will continue examining, including the loss of GPS navigation, the crew’s decision to transition from instrument to visual flight, the challenging nighttime conditions and the surrounding mountainous terrain. A final NTSB report, which could take months to complete, will determine the official cause of the crash. Aviation safety experts have increasingly warned about GPS interference affecting civilian aircraft around the world. While modern airliners and many business aircraft have backup navigation systems, military exercises and international conflicts have contributed to a growing number of GPS jamming incidents that require pilots and controllers to rely on alternative navigation procedures. The NTSB emphasized that preliminary reports are intended to document known facts early in an investigation and should not be interpreted as final conclusions. Investigators will continue reviewing flight data, cockpit procedures, communications and other evidence before issuing a probable cause determination. ALSO TRENDING: A nationwide food outbreak is spreading. Here’s why tracking it has been so difficultALSO TRENDING: Dashcam captures chaotic moments before Florida pursuit reaches shocking speedsALSO TRENDING: Mike Golic’s first day back at ESPN was filled with emotion, memories and a fresh startChris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.