4 fatalities

1999-07-09: BAe 125 (XA-TAL) — Aerojet Express — Toluca, Mexico

Toluca, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On July 9, 1999, a BAe 125 (registration XA-TAL) operated by Aerojet Express was involved in an aviation accident near Toluca, Mexico during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain on short final after the crew decided to carry out an approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted terrain. Contributing factors: poor visibility due to foggy conditions; captain's overconfidence. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204258Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight operated on behalf of DHL crashed short of runway 15 at Toluca Airport after striking a concrete wall. All four occupants were killed. The accident occurred during a night approach in fog.

Accident

On a cargo flight from Los Mochis Airport to Toluca on behalf of DHL, the aircraft was on descent when air traffic control advised the crew that visibility was reduced to 1,600 metres due to foggy conditions. While conducting a night approach to Toluca-Adolfo López Mateos Airport, the crew descended below the minimum descent altitude, likely in an attempt to establish visual contact with the ground. During the short final approach, the aircraft struck a two-metre-high concrete wall located 350 metres short of runway 15. The aircraft then crashed and burst into flames. All four occupants were killed.

Investigation

Investigation into the accident determined the probable cause and contributing factors.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain on short final after the crew decided to carry out an approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted terrain. Contributing factors identified were poor visibility due to foggy conditions and the captain's overconfidence.