cannon accident mexico

U.S.

Air Strength: 3 killed in war machine plane crash

Updated on: March 15, 2017 / 2:56 PM / CBS/AP

CLOVIS, North.K. -- Three service members were killed afterward a single-engine reconnaissance and surveillance plane crashed in eastern New Mexico during a grooming flight, officials at Cannon Air Force Base said.

Base of operations officials said the U-28A crashed Tuesday nighttime in a field about a quarter mile east of Clovis Municipal Airport, nearly 3 miles east of Cannon. The plane was assigned to Cannon.

The identities of the victims volition exist withheld until 24 hours after the families are notified, Cannon officials said in a argument.

The crash acquired a fire that was extinguished by local firefighters, officials said.

Two large pieces of the aircraft, including the tail section, were visible Midweek forenoon at the crash scene.

A news briefing was held at Cannon and CBS News affiliate KFDA-TV was there.

Col. Ben Maitre said that it would be premature to speculate a cause of the crash. He said at that place was no indication of any problems with the plane before the crash, and weather reports for the area suggested articulate skies.

"Right at present, nosotros're working to secure all of the information from the wreckage and the documentation that went into the preparation and conduct of that sortie," Maitre said.

Investigators besides are reviewing maintenance records for the plane.

Matire also said that the base hasn't seen an blow involving an shipping and fatality in several years. He also restated that no further details on gender or names would be released about the victims awaiting notification of family members.

Cannon has approximately v,800 military machine personnel and civilian employees and is dwelling to the 27th Special Operations Fly.

The Cannon Air Force Base of operations in New Mexico. KFDA-Goggle box

The wing's units include a special operations group that uses several types of aircraft to perform missions that include insertion and removal of personnel, combat support, aerial refueling of helicopters, close air support and drone operations.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family unit," Matire 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."

The CAFB Airman and Family unit Readiness Center is currently offer support to anyone needing information technology at this fourth dimension.
Posted by 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base N.M. on Midweek, March 15, 2017

An Air Forcefulness fact sheet says the U-28A is used for tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of special operations forces.

The fact sheet says the plane has a four-member crew of ii pilots, a gainsay systems officer and a tactical systems officeholder.

Co-ordinate to the fact sheet, the U-28A "evolved from commercially available aircraft that were purchased and so modified with communications gear, aircraft survivability equipment, electro-optical sensors and avant-garde navigation systems."