NTSB: GPS jamming was active before fatal Beech C90 accident in New Mexico
This preliminary report is a practical reminder to verify GPS NOTAMs and jamming exercises, keep ground-based navigation skills current, and treat 'visual on the city' cautiously when the surrounding terrain is above the airport elevation in dark night.
The NTSB released its preliminary report on the May 14, 2026, crash of a Generations Jets Beech C90 air ambulance (N249CP) near Lincoln, New Mexico. The flight, operating under Part 135 from Roswell to Sierra Blanca, was in dark-night VMC when the crew reported lost GPS capability and received vectors from Albuquerque Center. NOTAMs active at the time warned that U.S. military GPS jamming, including WAAS, GBAS, and ADS-B, could be unavailable in the area. The crew later reported a visual approach to Sierra Blanca; the aircraft subsequently struck mountainous terrain at about 9,950 ft, killing both pilots and two flight nurses. The report is preliminary and subject to change.
Sources
- Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report WPR26FA186 (Beech C90, N249CP, Lincoln, NM) — National Transportation Safety Board
- NTSB: GPS Jamming Active Before C90 Accident — AVweb