Alamogordo Plane Crash; Victims Identified, Mayor Susan Payne Expresses Condolences

Alamogordo, NM – November 30, 2025 — Authorities have confirmed the identities of two men killed in last week’s plane crash near Alamogordo.

The New Mexico State Police reported the victims as Ralph Guerin, 73, and Patrick Cheung, 40, who family members said was Guerin’s future son-in-law. Both were found deceased at the crash site.

Flight Timeline

• 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 26 — Aircraft departed Alamogordo White Sands Regional Airport.

• Expected return within one hour — When the plane failed to arrive, it was reported missing.

• Search initiated — The U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center provided last known coordinates near the airport.

• Morning of Thursday, Nov. 27 — Wreckage discovered west of Benson Ridge, south of Cloudcroft in the Lincoln National Forest.

Crash Site & Investigation

Responders reported the aircraft was completely burned upon discovery. Multiple agencies assisted in the search, including:

• New Mexico State Police

• Otero County Sheriff’s Office

• Alamogordo Police and Fire Departments

• Lincoln National Forest Service

• New Mexico Search and Rescue

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation. Preliminary federal records list the crash as accidental, though the exact cause remains under review.

Community Response

Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne expressed condolences to the families, calling the tragedy “a heartbreaking loss for our community.” Her remarks can be heard in conversation with Anthony Lucero on AlamogordoTownNews streaming at KALHRadio.org and are archived as a news brief via our podcast at

As previously reported by AlamogordoTownNews.org, the community continues to mourn Guerin and Cheung while awaiting further findings from federal investigators.

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