A fatal New Mexico air crash has raised urgent questions about the risks military GPS jamming operations may pose to civilian aviation. Four people died after an air ambulance lost GPS capability and struck mountainous terrain while flying to collect a patient near Ruidoso.
The National Transportation Safety Board has stressed that its findings remain preliminary. Investigators have not determined whether the military exercise caused or contributed to the accident, and the final probable cause will come only after a wider examination of flight data, communications and operational decisions.
New Mexico air crash kills four medical crew members
The Beech C90 aircraft crashed near Lincoln, New Mexico, at about 12:15 a.m. on May 14, 2026. The aircraft carried two pilots and two flight nurses, and all four suffered fatal injuries. Generations Jets operated the aircraft as a Part 135 air ambulance flight.
The crew had departed Roswell Air Center for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Ruidoso, where it was scheduled to collect a patient for transport to Albuquerque. The flight took place on a dark night with no moon illumination, although visual weather conditions prevailed.
The aircraft struck terrain at an elevation of about 9,950 feet near the Capitan Mountains. The impact caused a fire that developed into a major forest blaze.
GPS jamming test disrupts aircraft navigation
The NTSB report states that US military GPS jamming activities covered the area and altitude through which the medical flight was operating. Aviation notices had warned crews that GPS, satellite-based augmentation and related services might become unavailable across a wide region.
Shortly after departure, the pilot told Albuquerque air traffic control that the aircraft had lost GPS capability and needed heading guidance. The controller directed the crew toward Sierra Blanca Regional Airport and later contacted military officials to request that the jamming stop.
Three other aircraft in the area also reported losing GPS service. One pilot struggled to locate a ground-based navigation aid and required additional assistance from air traffic control, showing that the disruption extended beyond the medical aircraft.
Air traffic control guides crew toward Ruidoso
Controllers initially planned to guide the aircraft toward an instrument landing system approach because its GPS-based approach was unavailable. The medical crew later reported having Ruidoso in sight and requested permission to continue visually.
Air traffic control cleared the aircraft for a visual approach. The plane then turned southwest toward the airport, with mountains rising between its position and the runway. The Capitan Mountains in that area reach more than 10,000 feet.
After controllers informed the military that the aircraft had switched to a visual approach, GPS jamming resumed. The aircraft began descending shortly afterward and struck the mountain about five minutes later. The NTSB report records no further radio transmissions from the crew after the visual approach clearance.
Investigators examine altitude and radar data
Investigators found a notable difference between two tracking sources. The aircraft’s Spidertracks GPS altitude generally appeared about 600 feet higher than its ADS-B altitude, while the ADS-B record contained large gaps during periods of interference.
The NTSB is examining those altitude differences, recorded flight paths, radio communications and the timing of the military exercise. The investigation will also consider the crew’s transition from an instrument approach to visual navigation in dark mountainous terrain.
The preliminary evidence confirms that GPS interference occurred and affected several aircraft. It does not yet prove that jamming caused the crash. That distinction is critical, and any final c
A fatal New Mexico air crash has raised urgent questions about the risks military GPS jamming operations may pose to civilian aviation. Four people died after an air ambulance lost GPS capability and struck mountainous terrain while flying to collect a patient near Ruidoso.
The National Transportation Safety Board has stressed that its findings remain preliminary. Investigators have not determined whether the military exercise caused or contributed to the accident, and the final probable cause will come only after a wider examination of flight data, communications and operational decisions.
New Mexico air crash kills four medical crew members
The Beech C90 aircraft crashed near Lincoln, New Mexico, at about 12:15 a.m. on May 14, 2026. The aircraft carried two pilots and two flight nurses, and all four suffered fatal injuries. Generations Jets operated the aircraft as a Part 135 air ambulance flight.
The crew had departed Roswell Air Center for Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Ruidoso, where it was scheduled to collect a patient for transport to Albuquerque. The flight took place on a dark night with no moon illumination, although visual weather conditions prevailed.
The aircraft struck terrain at an elevation of about 9,950 feet near the Capitan Mountains. The impact caused a fire that developed into a major forest blaze.
GPS jamming test disrupts aircraft navigation
The NTSB report states that US military GPS jamming activities covered the area and altitude through which the medical flight was operating. Aviation notices had warned crews that GPS, satellite-based augmentation and related services might become unavailable across a wide region.
Shortly after departure, the pilot told Albuquerque air traffic control that the aircraft had lost GPS capability and needed heading guidance. The controller directed the crew toward Sierra Blanca Regional Airport and later contacted military officials to request that the jamming stop.
Three other aircraft in the area also reported losing GPS service. One pilot struggled to locate a ground-based navigation aid and required additional assistance from air traffic control, showing that the disruption extended beyond the medical aircraft.
Air traffic control guides crew toward Ruidoso
Controllers initially planned to guide the aircraft toward an instrument landing system approach because its GPS-based approach was unavailable. The medical crew later reported having Ruidoso in sight and requested permission to continue visually.
Air traffic control cleared the aircraft for a visual approach. The plane then turned southwest toward the airport, with mountains rising between its position and the runway. The Capitan Mountains in that area reach more than 10,000 feet.
After controllers informed the military that the aircraft had switched to a visual approach, GPS jamming resumed. The aircraft began descending shortly afterward and struck the mountain about five minutes later. The NTSB report records no further radio transmissions from the crew after the visual approach clearance.
Investigators examine altitude and radar data
Investigators found a notable difference between two tracking sources. The aircraft’s Spidertracks GPS altitude generally appeared about 600 feet higher than its ADS-B altitude, while the ADS-B record contained large gaps during periods of interference.
The NTSB is examining those altitude differences, recorded flight paths, radio communications and the timing of the military exercise. The investigation will also consider the crew’s transition from an instrument approach to visual navigation in dark mountainous terrain.
The preliminary evidence confirms that GPS interference occurred and affected several aircraft. It does not yet prove that jamming caused the crash. That distinction is critical, and any final c
Peelander-Z, the Austin-based Japanese punk band, is receiving support from fans after a serious New Mexico I-40 crash left all three members hospitalized during their spring tour.
The crash happened on Monday afternoon, May 18, 2026, New Mexico time, while the band was traveling westbound on I-40 east of Albuquerque. KOB reported that authorities said a semi-truck rear-ended the band’s tour van less than an hour from the city. An exact crash time
Peelander-Z, the Austin-based Japanese punk band, is receiving support from fans after a serious New Mexico I-40 crash left all three members hospitalized during their spring tour.
The crash happened on Monday afternoon, May 18, 2026, New Mexico time, while the band was traveling westbound on I-40 east of Albuquerque. KOB reported that authorities said a semi-truck rear-ended the band’s tour van less than an hour from the city. An exact crash time
Melissa Gilbert publicly reflected on the lasting impact of child exploitation in the entertainment industry weeks before her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, became the subject of an arrest warrant linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in New Mexico.
According to an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department on January 9, authorities allege that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual contact with two 11-year-old twin boys. The identities of the minors have not been released. One of the children reportedly told investigators that the alleged conduct began when he was seven years old. The warrant outlines two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
The warrant was issued following a lengthy investigation that began in November 2024, after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted law enforcement regarding possible sexual abuse. Investigators were informed that the boys were child actors who had met Busfield while working on the television series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director during its production run from 2022 through 2025.
The children’s parents told police that medical professionals raised concerns that the boys may have been groomed. At the time, officials determined the case did not meet the criteria for further action. The matter resurfaced in October 2025, when the children’s mother filed a formal police report and contacted Child Protective Services, stating that both boys disclosed abuse allegedly occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024. She was later informed that without evidence of physical injury, additional steps could not be taken at that stage.
During interviews with investigators, Busfield reportedly denied the allegations and suggested the parents were motivated by frustration after their children were replaced by another actor. Shortly thereafter, he was notified by a studio that an internal inquiry had been initiated following a complaint. The warrant also notes that Busfield had been accused of sexual assault in a separate matter in 1994, though no charges were filed at that time.
Weeks before the warrant became public, Gilbert, 61, shared a personal message on social media reflecting on her own experiences as a minor working in television. In the post, she described revisiting images from her teenage years and confronting the reality that she had been expected to portray romantic scenes with significantly older co-stars. Writing through a modern lens, Gilbert emphasized that she was a child at the time and expressed gratitude that trusted adults were present to protect her, while acknowledging that many young performers are not afforded similar safeguards.
Her comments were part of a broader response to public discourse surrounding the minimization of child sexual exploitation. Gilbert cautioned against language that downplays abuse and urged greater care when discussing crimes involving minors.
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013 and have spoken publicly about their long relationship, which began after reconnecting in 2012. In April of last year, Gilbert marked their wedding anniversary with a social media tribute highlighting their family life and creative partnership.
Representatives for both Gilbert and Busfield have not issued public statements regarding the arrest warrant. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrest had been made as of the warrant’s issuance. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations are claims and that Busfield is entitled to due process as the legal proceedings move forward.
Law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with information related to child abuse to report concerns to appropriate authorities, noting that early reporting can be critical in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Melissa Gilbert publicly reflected on the lasting impact of child exploitation in the entertainment industry weeks before her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, became the subject of an arrest warrant linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in New Mexico.
According to an arrest warrant issued by the Albuquerque Police Department on January 9, authorities allege that Busfield, 68, engaged in unlawful sexual contact with two 11-year-old twin boys. The identities of the minors have not been released. One of the children reportedly told investigators that the alleged conduct began when he was seven years old. The warrant outlines two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse.
The warrant was issued following a lengthy investigation that began in November 2024, after a physician at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted law enforcement regarding possible sexual abuse. Investigators were informed that the boys were child actors who had met Busfield while working on the television series The Cleaning Lady, where he served as a director during its production run from 2022 through 2025.
The children’s parents told police that medical professionals raised concerns that the boys may have been groomed. At the time, officials determined the case did not meet the criteria for further action. The matter resurfaced in October 2025, when the children’s mother filed a formal police report and contacted Child Protective Services, stating that both boys disclosed abuse allegedly occurring between November 2022 and spring 2024. She was later informed that without evidence of physical injury, additional steps could not be taken at that stage.
During interviews with investigators, Busfield reportedly denied the allegations and suggested the parents were motivated by frustration after their children were replaced by another actor. Shortly thereafter, he was notified by a studio that an internal inquiry had been initiated following a complaint. The warrant also notes that Busfield had been accused of sexual assault in a separate matter in 1994, though no charges were filed at that time.
Weeks before the warrant became public, Gilbert, 61, shared a personal message on social media reflecting on her own experiences as a minor working in television. In the post, she described revisiting images from her teenage years and confronting the reality that she had been expected to portray romantic scenes with significantly older co-stars. Writing through a modern lens, Gilbert emphasized that she was a child at the time and expressed gratitude that trusted adults were present to protect her, while acknowledging that many young performers are not afforded similar safeguards.
Her comments were part of a broader response to public discourse surrounding the minimization of child sexual exploitation. Gilbert cautioned against language that downplays abuse and urged greater care when discussing crimes involving minors.
Gilbert and Busfield have been married since 2013 and have spoken publicly about their long relationship, which began after reconnecting in 2012. In April of last year, Gilbert marked their wedding anniversary with a social media tribute highlighting their family life and creative partnership.
Representatives for both Gilbert and Busfield have not issued public statements regarding the arrest warrant. The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrest had been made as of the warrant’s issuance. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations are claims and that Busfield is entitled to due process as the legal proceedings move forward.
Law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with information related to child abuse to report concerns to appropriate authorities, noting that early reporting can be critical in protecting vulnerable individuals.
