4 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes on Approach to Toluca, Killing Four (XA-TAL)

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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 1999 BAe 125 accident near Toluca, Mexico?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 1999 BAe 125 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 1999 involved a BAe 125, registration XA-TAL, operated by Aerojet Express, at Toluca, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.