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23 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Near Chetumal Airport (XA-SEV)

Chetumal, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On January 6, 1972, an Avro 748 (registration XA-SEV) operated by SAESA - Servicios Aéreos Especiales was involved in an aviation accident near Chetumal, Mexico during takeoff. 23 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A plane crashed in a swampy area 40 km northwest of Chetumal shortly after takeoff, killing all 23 occupants. The aircraft was destroyed, and an onboard explosion of unknown origin is believed to have occurred.

Incident Overview and Location Details A few minutes after departing from Chetumal Airport, the aircraft lost control during its climb and crashed into a swampy area approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. ## Casualties and Onboard Events All 23 people on board perished in the crash. Investigators noted that an explosion of unknown origin is believed to have occurred on board the aircraft prior to or during the incident. The specific cause of the explosion and the loss of control remains undetermined based on the available information.

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