Plane's Wing Struck Approach Lights

Two men were injured Thursday morning, one seriously, when their Cessna 172A crashed on landing at Double Eagle II Airport (AEG) west of Albuquerque, NM.

Airport manager Mike Medley tells ANN he believes the plane was on an extremely low approach to runway 22 when the Cessna's right wing struck a MALSR (Medium-intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway alignment indicator) light pole, spinning the aircraft around.

The plane came to rest on its nose and left wing, approximately 10 yards northwest of the approach end of the runway. The tip of the Cessna's right wing was sharply upturned, and both wings showed signs of crumpling indicative of a fairly strong impact.

State Police Lt. Eric Garcia identified the men onboard as Martin Nedza of Arizona and Lawrence Muldon of Indiana, reports the Associated Press. Nedza is listed as the owner of the Cessna, registry N6539B.

One of men was transported by helicopter to University of New Mexico Medical Center, while the second was taken to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. Both were reported in stable condition Thursday afternoon.

Medley said the plane departed Tuscon, AZ this morning, and was stopping at AEG for fuel before continuing on to Illinois.

Severe clear and light southeasterly winds prevailed at the time of the accident, approximately 0930 MDT.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.cabq.gov/airport/doubleeagle.html