Accident Overview
On December 22, 2025, about 1505 central standard time, a Beechcraft B300, registration ANX1209, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Galveston, Texas. The aircraft was operated by the Mexican Navy. The pilot, co-pilot, two flight crew, and two passengers sustained fatal injuries, while two other passengers sustained serious injuries.
Communications
Recorded communications between Houston Approach Control and the flight crew began at 2048:24 when the crew established contact while en route to Scholes International Airport (GLS), Galveston. The controller provided vectors for the ILS approach, later changed to RNAV approach 14. At 2052:43, the crew inquired about the runway in use; the controller advised RNAV 14 was active and that the GLS tower reported ceilings of 300 ft. The crew confirmed they wished to continue. Subsequent instructions included heading and altitude changes. At 2058:08, the controller cleared the crew for the RNAV 14 approach. At 2059:09, the controller instructed the crew to contact the tower. Multiple low altitude alerts were issued thereafter, but no further radio communications were received from the flight crew.
Flight Path
ADS-B data from the FAA showed the flight track began about 1854:42 near Merida, Mexico, at 12,025 ft msl, climbing to 27,500 ft. At 2034:49, the aircraft began descending. At 2056:39, at about 1,950 ft msl, it turned southwest consistent with radar vectors for the GPS 14 approach to GLS. At 2059:31, the aircraft initiated a descent until ADS-B contact was lost at 275 ft msl, about 3 miles northwest of GLS.
Witness Reports
Witnesses near the accident reported hearing the airplane overhead. One witness stated hearing the engine "pull back" then go to full power, as if attempting a go-around, before the sound stopped. Other witnesses on a boat saw the airplane overfly their location, followed by a sound consistent with impact into water. Numerous witnesses reported fog and limited visibility at the time.
Recovery
Local law enforcement located the wreckage about half a mile from the Galveston shoreline in West Bay, at a depth of 5 to 10 ft. The debris path was oriented on a southern heading and was about 200 ft long. The fuselage, both wings, engines, and empennage were within the debris path. The airplane was recovered and transported for examination.
Weather recorded at GLS at 2215 included wind from 100° at 5 knots, visibility ¼ statute mile, vertical visibility 200 ft agl, temperature 69°F, dew point 69°F, and altimeter 30.21 inHg.