March 15 (UPI) — Three people were killed when a military plane crashed during a training flight at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.
The airmen assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron were flying in a single-engine U-28A reconnaissance aircraft when the plane crashed in a field near Clovis Municipal Airport.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family,” Col. Ben Maitre said. “Our sympathies are with the loved ones and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time.”
Clovis Municipal Airport Director Kyle Berkshire said the plane had been performing “touch and go” maneuvers where it touched down on the runway before taking off again when it crashed half a mile away at 6:50 p.m.
“The incident caused a fire that was extinguished by local first responders at 7:39 p.m.,” Cannon Air Force Base spokesman Capt. Brandon Baccam said.
The names of the aircrew will not be released, he said, until their families have been notified.