CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Three service members were killed Thursday morning when a reconnaissance and surveillance plane crashed in eastern New Mexico. The pilot was from Michigan.
Captain Andrew Becker, 33, was a pilot for the 318th Special Operations Squadron. He was from Novi and is survived by his spouse, mother, and father.
The U-28A crashed in a field about a quarter mile east of Clovis, New Mexico. The aircraft was from Cannon Air Force Base.
The crew was assigned to the 318th special operations squadron, part of the 27th special operations wing based a cannon.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and friends of those involved in this tragic accident,” said Col. Ben Maitre, the wing commander. “In doing so, our focus is to also support our larger Air Commando community as we prioritize safe mission accomplishment in both our training and operational commitments."
Becker's family said his nickname was "The Laugher."
The cause of the crash is under investigation.