NTSB releases preliminary report on NM plane crash

ANGEL FIRE, N.M. (AP) — A preliminary report by federal investigators into the crash of a small plane in New Mexico that killed four people says the pilot was warned against taking off in windy conditions.

The single-engine plane crashed during takeoff in 55 mph winds on March 2 from a northern New Mexico ski resort in Angel Fire, 150 miles northeast of Albuquerque.

The plane was headed to Dallas-Fort Worth following a family ski trip and killed two adults and two children, all from Texas.

It was registered to Verhalen Flyers in Scottsville, Texas — about 150 miles east of Dallas.

Authorities say 33-year-old pilot John Verhalen III was killed along with his girlfriend, his sister and her teenage daughter.