Pilot Louis Deitrich Stahl

Pilot Louis Deitrich Stahl

United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government

End of Watch Saturday, June 13, 1992

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Louis Deitrich Stahl

Pilot Louis Stahl was killed in a helicopter crash near Sunland Park, New Mexico while tracking a group of suspected illegal aliens at about 1:20 pm.

The Hughes OH-6 helicopter he was piloting struck a set of powerlines approximately 75 feet above railroad tracks just east of Mount Cristo Rey. As a result of striking the lines, the helicopter was knocked into the second set of powerlines and then fell to the ground.

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

Pilot Stahl was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the United States Border Patrol for 19 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

He was buried in the Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 19 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident
  • Location New Mexico

aerial search, helicopter crash, illegal alien

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Pilot Stahl,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not when you served with the Border Patrol but also when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

A fellow BPA

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 13, 2022

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