Three airmen were killed Tuesday when the plane in which they were training as part of a U.S. Air Force exercise crashed in New Mexico, according to multiple reports.
Officials at Cannon Air Force Base said the base-assigned U-28A crashed at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday just outside Clovis Municipal Airport.
Capt. Brandon Baccam told KOB that the crash happened about a quarter-mile east of the airport. Officials declined to release the names of the airmen, citing the need to notify their families.
Clovis Municipal Airport director Kyle Berkshire told KOB that the plane was performing what's known as "touch and goes," maneuvers in which a plane will touch a runway without coming to a complete stop.
"We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family," Col. Ben Maitre, the installation commander, told KOAT. "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."
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
About the Author
