Pilot Louis Deitrich Stahl

Louis Deitrich Stahl

Pilot Louis Stahl was killed in a helicopter accident near Sunland Park, New Mexico, while tracking a group of suspected illegal aliens. The helicopter struck a set of powerlines that were approximately 300 feet above railroad trucks. As a result of striking the lines, the helicopter was knocked into a second set of powerlines and then fell to the ground.

The subjects Pilot Stahl was tracking immediately went to a nearby business and alerted employees of the accident. The employees called 911 and then went to the scene and began to render aid until rescue units arrived. Pilot Stahl succumbed to injuries at the scene.

Pilot Stahl had served with the Border Patrol for 19 years and had previously served in the Vietnam War with the United States Army. He was survived by his wife, son and daughter. He was buried in the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas.