safety
NTSB cites ‘loss of control’ in deadly plane crash that killed Las Cruces pilot
Summary by The El Paso Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Gabrielle Lopez , KVIA ABC-7
· July 21, 2026
· 3 min read
CHAMBERINO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a final investigation report about a deadly plane that killed a Las Cruces man two years ago. It happened during a training session at the Dona Ana County International Jetport. June 2024, a plane crashed on...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The El Paso Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Gabrielle Lopez, KVIA ABC-7 Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway June 2024, a plane crashed on the mesa west of Chamberino, New Mexico, killing 28-year-old Alberto Lozano of Las Cruces, as ABC-7 previously reported .
Why this matters in The El Paso
The NTSB's findings on the deadly plane crash that killed Las Cruces pilot Alberto Lozano raise concerns about aviation safety in the region. The fact that the crash occurred during Lozano's first solo flight in a turbine-powered agricultural plane, and that the plane had just undergone maintenance, suggests that there may be gaps in training and oversight. The difficulty in communication between Lozano and the chief pilot, as well as the mechanic's incomplete annual inspection, are also troubling details. As the El Paso community continues to grow and rely on air transportation, it is crucial that local aviation operators prioritize thorough maintenance and training protocols to prevent such tragedies. The incident also highlights the need for effective communication systems and procedures in place to ensure pilot safety. The El Paso area's proximity to the Dona Ana County International Jetport, where the training session took place, makes this incident particularly relevant to local residents who use the jetport's services.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CHAMBERINO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a final investigation report about a deadly plane that killed a Las Cruces man two years ago. It happened during a training session at the Dona Ana County International Jetport. June 2024, a plane crashed on...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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