What happened
During a flight originating from Mexico City, the crew began their descent toward Monterrey-General Mariano Escobido Airport. The approach was conducted under conditions of significantly reduced visibility due to intense rainfall. While attempting to intercept the glide path, the crew executed a left-hand turn after passing the Monterrey VOR.
At an airspeed of 250 knots and a descent rate of 1,500 feet per minute, the aircraft type struck the side of Cerro del Fraile, situated approximately 23 km from the destination airport. The impact caused the airframe to disintegrate. Search efforts located the wreckage at an elevation of 1,800 meters several hours after the event. There were 79 fatalities and no survivors.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the flight crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration by initiating a turn to the left rather than following the right-hand turn prescribed in official procedures. Additionally, the excessive airspeed of the aircraft during the descent was noted as a contributing factor to the collision with terrain.