New Mexico State Police: 4 dead after plane crashes by airport near Silver City, New Mexico

5/23/2014

SILVER CITY, N.M. — Authorities say four people are dead after a small plane crashed near Silver City in southwestern New Mexico.

Federal Aviation Administration officials say the single-engine plane went down today about a mile northeast of Whiskey Creek Airport and then burst into flames.

New Mexico State Police say all four people aboard the plane were killed. Their identities and hometowns aren’t immediately available.

It’s unclear if the crash was weather-related.

Albuquerque TV station KOB reports that a small trailer park near the airport was evacuated as a result of the crash.

FAA officials say that due to fire and crash damage, the type of aircraft can’t immediately be determined and it’s unknown who owned the plane.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators are expected to arrive at the crash scene Saturday.