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Nighttime Training Accident at Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez Airport (XA-SAB)

Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On July 28, 1973, an Avro 748 (registration XA-SAB) operated by SAESA - Servicios Aéreos Especiales was involved in an aviation accident near Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft struck ground short of runway during night training at Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez Airport, injuring three crew members and destroying the plane. Wrong approach configuration is believed to be the cause.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred while the crew was completing a local training at Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez Airport. The incident took place during a nighttime approach, resulting in the aircraft striking the ground and crashing a few hundred meters short of the runway threshold. ## Casualties and Aircraft Damage All three crew members on board were injured in the crash. The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the impact. ## Contributing Factors It is believed that the accident was the consequence of a wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command. The crew failed to realize that the altitude was insufficient during the approach, leading to the collision with the ground.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 1973 Avro 748 accident near Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez, Mexico?

Aircraft struck ground short of runway during night training at Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez Airport, injuring three crew members and destroying the plane. Wrong approach configuration is believed to be the cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 1973 Avro 748 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 1973 involved an Avro 748, registration XA-SAB, operated by SAESA - Servicios Aéreos Especiales, at Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the pilot-in-command

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