North Texas Pilot Identified After Fatal Medical Plane Crash Near Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM (May 21, 2026) – On Thursday, May 21, authorities identified a 23-year-old North Texas pilot who died after a medical plane crashed in the Capitan Mountains outside Ruidoso. Officials said Ali Kawsara, of Fort Worth, Texas, died alongside three other crew members in the wreck.

Kawsara was one of two Generation Jets pilots aboard the Beechcraft King Air 90. Officials also identified the other victims as fellow pilot Keelan Clark and Trans Aero MedEvac flight nurses Sarah Clark and Jamie Novick.

The collision happened before dawn on Thursday, May 14, as the aircraft traveled from Roswell to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport for a medical transport mission. All four crew members died at the scene.

Responders found the wreckage between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thursday in steep, rocky terrain. Lincoln County Manager Jason Burns said crews had to hike the final half-mile to reach the aircraft because the area was difficult to access.

The crash also sparked a wildfire in the surrounding forest. Officials later named it the Seven Cabins Fire, and the blaze grew quickly in the days after the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating what caused the crash.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the people who lost their lives.

What Compensation Can Families Recover After a Fatal Aviation Accident in Ruidoso, NM?

After a fatal plane crash in Ruidoso, families may be able to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and other losses. In New Mexico, the personal representative of the estate must file the claim.

Since New Mexico gives families three years from the date of death to file, early action matters. Waiting can make it harder to preserve flight records, maintenance documents, and witness information. Aviation cases may also involve both state and federal rules.

In Ruidoso, the crash location can make the case harder to review. The Capitan Mountains and nearby forest areas include steep terrain and remote access points. These conditions can affect emergency response, evidence recovery, and investigations.

When investigators review a fatal aviation crash, they may examine the aircraft, flight path, weather, and maintenance records. If a mechanical issue or operational failure played a role, more than one party may share responsibility.

The claim may involve the operator, maintenance company, or manufacturer.

Unlike many car accident claims, aviation wrongful death cases can take longer to review. Federal agencies may need time to inspect wreckage, study records, and release findings. Families can still speak with an attorney while that process continues.

A wrongful death lawyer can gather records, track investigation updates, and identify responsible parties. This can help families avoid delays and understand how the law applies. It can also help with insurance and liability questions.

At Will Ferguson & Associates, we help families across New Mexico understand their options after fatal accidents. Our team can review records, explain the wrongful death process, and answer questions about next steps.

If your family lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you can contact Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 308-1458 for legal guidance.