What happened
On December 22, 2025, at approximately 15:05 CST, a Beechcraft B300, registration ANX1209, crashed near Galveston, Texas, during an approach to Scholes International Airport (GLS). The aircraft, operated by the Mexican Navy, was performing a medivac flight.
During the descent, the flight crew was in communication with Houston Approach Control. The controller provided vectors for an RNAV 14 approach. At 20:52:54, the controller informed the crew that the tower had reported ceilings of 300 feet, but the crew elected to continue the approach. As the aircraft followed instructions to adjust headings and altitudes, a misunderstanding occurred regarding landing clearance; the crew believed they were cleared to land, but the controller clarified they were only cleared for the RNAV approach and instructed them to contact the tower.
Following this exchange, the controller issued multiple low-altitude alerts, but the flight crew did not respond. ADS-B data showed the aircraft descending through 1,950 feet before initiating a final descent. The last recorded ADS-B target showed the aircraft at 275 feet MSL, approximately 3 miles northwest of GLS, before contact was lost.
Witnesses near the scene reported hearing the aircraft's engine power change, suggesting a possible go-around attempt, followed by the sound of an impact in the water. Weather at the time included fog with visibility of only 1/4 statute mile and a vertical visibility of 200 feet.
Local law enforcement located the wreckage about 1/2 mile from the Galveston shoreline in West Bay at a depth of 5 to 10 feet. The wreckage, which included the fuselage, wings, engines, and empennage, was recovered from the water.
There were 6 fatal injuries and 2 serious injuries.