No fatalities

Engine failure during takeoff leads to twin-engine aircraft crash (XA-GUW)

Mexico City, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On February 21, 1952, a Boeing 247 (registration XA-GUW) operated by Lineas Aéreas Unidas (LAUSA) was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City, Mexico during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of power from one engine during the rotation phase caused the aircraft to stall and crash. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after departing the runway due to an engine failure during the initial climb phase.

What happened

During the takeoff sequence of a twin-engine airplane, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of power immediately following rotation. As the plane entered its initial climb, it entered a stall condition which resulted in a crash near the departure site.

While the aircraft sustained significant damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no fatalities reported in the accident. The incident resulted in two injuries among the crew members on board.

Findings

Official reports indicate that the primary factor leading to the stall was an engine failure occurring just after the aircraft had rotated for takeoff.

Probable cause

The loss of power from one engine during the rotation phase caused the aircraft to stall and crash.