5 fatalities

1978-06-16: Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (XB-ABG) — Compañía Minera Autlán — Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico

Mexico City-Benito Juarez, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On June 16, 1978, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration XB-ABG) operated by Compañía Minera Autlán was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781226553Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine executive flight from Tampico to Martínez de la Torre crashed in Mexico City's Jardín Balbuena district after an apparent engine failure on final approach, killing five occupants.

The twin-engine airplane was engaged in an executive flight that originated in Tampico and was destined for Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz, with an intermediate stop scheduled in Mexico City. During the final approach phase, one of its engines apparently failed. The aircraft then lost altitude, struck antennas and the roofs of several houses, and ultimately crashed in flames in the Jardín Balbuena district, approximately three kilometers short of runway 05.

The crew consisted of pilot Jorge Azcárraga and copilot Mario Vértiz. The passengers were Mario Bairón, J. Haele, Enrique Silva, and Javier Ortiz. One occupant survived the accident; the other five individuals were killed.

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine failure for undetermined reasons.