Search Ongoing for Retired Air Force General Missing in New Mexico

Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland was last seen at his Albuquerque home two weeks ago.

Published on Mar. 13, 2026

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A search is underway for retired Air Force Major General Neil McCasland, who went missing from his Albuquerque home on February 27. McCasland's wife reported him missing that afternoon after returning home to find him gone, with his phone, glasses, and wearable devices left behind. Authorities are using search and rescue teams, dogs, drones, and helicopters to try to locate McCasland, an avid outdoorsman known to hike and cycle in the area.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a high-ranking retired military officer has raised concerns and prompted an extensive search effort by local law enforcement and the FBI. McCasland's connections to the UFO community have also sparked speculation, though his wife has dismissed this as a reason for his disappearance.

The details

According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, McCasland's wife left their home around 11 AM on February 27 for a medical appointment, and when she returned about an hour later, McCasland was gone. His hiking boots, wallet, and a .38 caliber revolver were missing from the home, but his phone, prescription glasses, and wearable devices were left behind. Authorities have been searching the Sandia mountains and McCasland's neighborhood, but have not received any confirmed sightings or video of him leaving the area.

  • On February 27, McCasland was last seen at his Albuquerque home at 11 AM.
  • McCasland's wife reported him missing to authorities at 3:07 PM on February 27.

The players

Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland

A retired Air Force major general who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering and also has a doctorate in the subject from MIT. He held many roles with the Air Force, including commander of the research laboratory at Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force.

Susan McCasland Wilkerson

McCasland's wife, who reported him missing after returning home to find him gone.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency leading the search for McCasland.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency assisting in the investigation into McCasland's disappearance.

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What’s next

Authorities continue to search for any clues or sightings that could help locate Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a highly decorated retired Air Force general has sparked an intensive search effort and raised concerns about the safety of a respected community member. While speculation about potential connections to the UFO community have emerged, officials have emphasized the need to focus on the facts and evidence to bring McCasland home safely.