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4 fatalities

Nighttime Crash of Twin-Engine Charter Flight from Reynosa to Monterrey (XA-KEW)

Monterrey-General Mariano Escobedo, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On May 2, 1981, a BAe 125 (registration XA-KEW) operated by Servicios Aéreos Regiomontanos - SARSA was involved in an aviation accident near Monterrey-General Mariano Escobedo, Mexico during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to follow the approach checklist. Following a wrong altimeter setting, the airplane descended too low on final until it struck trees and crashed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 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

A twin-engine charter aircraft crashed into trees 6.5 km short of the runway during a night approach to Monterrey, killing four people and seriously injuring two others.

Incident Overview and Casualties A twin-engine airplane operating a charter flight from Reynosa to Monterrey crashed during a nighttime final approach. The aircraft was carrying four passengers and a crew of two. It struck trees and crashed 6.5 km short of the runway. The wreckage was located 10 hours after the accident. Both pilots and two passengers were killed. Two other passengers were seriously injured, including Peruvian actress Patricia Aspíllaga. Her husband, Mexican businessman Arturo Ornelas, did not survive. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to follow the approach checklist. The aircraft descended too low on final approach due to a wrong altimeter setting, leading to the impact with trees. The lack of visibility caused by night was considered a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to follow the approach checklist. Following a wrong altimeter setting, the airplane descended too low on final until it struck trees and crashed. The lack of visibility caused by night was considered a contributing factor.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1981 BAe 125 accident near Monterrey-General Mariano Escobedo, Mexico?

A twin-engine charter aircraft crashed into trees 6.5 km short of the runway during a night approach to Monterrey, killing four people and seriously injuring two others.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 1981 BAe 125 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1981 involved a BAe 125, registration XA-KEW, operated by Servicios Aéreos Regiomontanos - SARSA, at Monterrey-General Mariano Escobedo, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to prepare the flight properly and failed to follow the approach checklist. Following a wrong altimeter setting, the airplane descended too low on final until it struck trees and crashed. The lack of visibility caused by night was considered a contributing factor.

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