Crash Sequence
Shortly after departing from Zacatecas Airport Runway 20, while in the initial climb phase, the flight crew informed air traffic control of technical issues with the left engine. The crew then initiated a return to the airport, intending to land on Runway 02. However, approximately one minute after takeoff, the crew attempted an emergency landing when the aircraft impacted soft and dry terrain southeast of the airport. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames.
Damage and Fatalities
The aircraft was totally destroyed by a post-crash fire. All six occupants on board were killed, among them two agents of the Federal Police and one employee of the Public Minister.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a precautionary landing due to probable loss of left engine power, in soft and dry terrain, which caused the legs of the main landing gear to bog down, resulting in destruction of the aircraft. The investigation identified contributing factors: lack of application of Crew Resource Management (CRM) concepts, and lack of adherence to standard operating procedures.