What happened
A cargo operation departing from Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport toward Miami-Intl, Florida, resulted in a major accident during the takeoff phase. The aircraft, a four-engine airplane, was carrying a load of 18 racing horses along with four crew members and eight passengers. Shortly after departure at 1700LT, the flight encountered significant issues maintaining altitude during the initial climb. Despite efforts by the crew to increase engine power, the plane could not gain sufficient height.
In an attempt to avoid further disaster, the captain performed an emergency landing on a roadway. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with power lines and crashed within the city limits, only a few kilometers from the airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft and several nearby residential buildings. The accident resulted in 65 fatalities, including 11 people on board and 54 individuals on the ground, while the pilot was the sole survivor of the crew and passengers. Additionally, 50 injuries were reported, with some victims sustaining serious wounds.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors. The primary cause was that the aircraft's total weight exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). Furthermore, the fuel used contained an incorrect octane rating; the fuel measured at an index of 100, whereas a range between 130 and 145 was required. This discrepancy, attributed to inadequate preparation by ground staff and the crew, prevented the engines from producing necessary power during the climb.
Additional instability was noted due to the movement of the livestock. The horses panicked within the cabin, which shifted the center of gravity and made the aircraft difficult to control during the critical phase of flight.