What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Nogales Airport, the pilot reported a loss of power in one of the engines to ground control. In response to this emergency, air traffic controllers provided clearance for the aircraft to perform an emergency landing at the departure airfield.
While attempting to return to the airport, the aircraft type experienced a significant loss of airspeed. This reduction in velocity led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to impact an open field. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that completely destroyed the airframe. There were 12 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the primary event was an engine failure, though the specific mechanical reason for the malfunction remains unconfirmed. Investigators noted that the aircraft may have been exceeding its maximum allowable weight during the flight, a factor that likely contributed to the loss of performance and the subsequent stall.