On October 27, 2003, a BAe 125 (registration XA-ISH) operated by Aero Xtra was involved in an aviation accident near Las Potrancas (Aldama), Mexico during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach below MDA under VFR mode in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted terrain at an altitude of 800 feet. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
On approach to Las Potrancas Aerodrome, a positioning flight encountered low clouds, initiated a go-around, but struck a hill to the left of the aerodrome at about 800 feet. All three occupants were killed.
Accident Details
The aircraft departed Tampico-General Francisco Javier Mina Airport on a positioning flight to Las Potrancas Aerodrome located near Aldama, Tamaulipas. On approach to runway 02, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions with low clouds. As the aircraft was not properly aligned, the captain decided to initiate a go-around procedure and to make a left turn. At low height (about 800 feet), the aircraft struck a hill located to the left of the aerodrome and crashed. All three occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach below MDA under VFR mode in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted terrain at an altitude of 800 feet. The following contributing factors were identified: poor crew resources management, the crew continued the approach in unfavorable weather conditions with low clouds, approach to an airport without radio assistance support, the crew suffered a loss of situational awareness, and poor flight planning.