NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A local pilot is dead and two passengers are in the hospital after a small plane crash in Catron County. New Mexico State Police say the aircraft went down in Sheep Basin, south of Reserve around 11 a.m. on Friday. 

The pilot, Linda Pecotte from Silver City, was killed. The conditions of the two passengers are unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are on their way to investigate the crash.

This photo was taken at the commemoration of 9-11 at Western New Mexico University. She and Elaine Haynick presented certificates of appreciation to first responders at the ceremony. Photo by Mary Alice Murphy