No fatalities

Emergency Landing in Prairie South of Veracruz Following In-Flight Engine Fire (XA-FES)

Veracruz, MexicoFlight

On January 14, 1946, an Avro 652 Anson (registration XA-FES) operated by Golfo y Pacífico Aerotransportes (GPA) was involved in an aviation accident near Veracruz, Mexico in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine fire during the enroute phase forced an emergency landing, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft made an emergency landing in a prairie 12 km south of Veracruz after an engine caught fire enroute. All 12 occupants evacuated safely, though the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

During the enroute phase of flight, the crew encountered a critical mechanical failure when an engine ignited. The sudden onset of the fire necessitated an immediate response to secure the aircraft's safety. The flight deck initiated emergency procedures and attempted to land the machine as quickly as possible to mitigate further damage.

The aircraft ultimately crash-landed in a prairie situated approximately 12 kilometers south of Veracruz. Despite the severity of the impact and the subsequent fire, all 12 occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage safely. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries among the passengers or crew members. The airframe sustained extensive damage from the crash and the fire, rendering it beyond repair.

Findings

The official investigation identified the engine fire as the primary cause of the incident. This mechanical failure forced the crew to execute an emergency landing in uncontrolled terrain, resulting in the total loss of the aircraft despite the successful evacuation of all personnel.

Probable cause

An engine fire during the enroute phase forced an emergency landing, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.