Accident Overview
A Mexican-registered aircraft collided with hilly terrain in a remote desert area near the Mexico and US border while maneuvering for a presumed landing following fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was observed by ground witnesses flying low in the gullies and valleys of the hilly desert terrain before the engine sputtered and stopped. It then collided with the slope of a hillside in a gully, with its flaps in a landing configuration.
Fuel System Examination
Post-crash examination of the fuel system revealed it was intact, with only about five ounces of fuel found in the entire system. The fuel system had been modified with the addition of non-standard long-range bladder tanks installed in the wings.
Flight Details
According to information from the county sheriff's office, US Customs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, the aircraft reportedly departed Durango, Mexico, at an unknown time with a presumed destination of Nogales, Mexico (17 miles south of the crash site). US Customs and the DEA reported that the aircraft entered the United States at low altitude without a flight plan or entry declaration.
Witness Accounts
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft flying low in the gullies and valleys of the hilly desert terrain. Subsequently, they heard the engine sputter and then stop. The aircraft then collided with a hillside.