Accident Overview
On 21 February 2012, a Rockwell Gulfstream 695 Commander 980, registration XC-PFB, crashed near El Refugio, Mexico. According to the official report, the aircraft slowed and subsequently departed controlled flight at 20,000 feet. The impact destroyed the airplane, and all three persons on board sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The accident is being investigated by the Mexican Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). Under the provisions of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) designated a U.S. Accredited Representative to participate in the investigation as the state of manufacturer of the airplane.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Rockwell Gulfstream 695 Commander 980, a twin-engine turboprop business aircraft capable of high-altitude flight. The registration XC-PFB was issued by the Mexican civil aviation authority. No further details about the aircraft's maintenance history or operator have been released.
Circumstances
The accident occurred after the aircraft slowed and lost controlled flight at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet. The precise sequence of events leading to the loss of control has not been disclosed. The location near El Refugio, Mexico, is a rural area. The time of day and weather conditions at the time of the accident were not specified in the source.
Response and Inquiries
All inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to the Mexican DGAC at the following address:
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes Providencia No. 807 — 6° piso Colonia del Valle Código Postal 03100 México, D.F. Mexico
Website: www.sct.gob.mx