What happened
During an approach to Tijuana-Rodriguez Airport, the crew of a commercial aircraft encountered mechanical issues after departing from Mexico City. While initiating the descent, the pilot identified that one of the main landing gears had failed to lock into the down position.
In response to this malfunction, the captain entered a holding pattern over the Tijuana area to manage the situation. However, due to an increasing lack of fuel, the crew was compelled to perform an emergency landing. Upon making contact with the runway, the unsecured main gear collapsed under the weight of the aircraft. The aircraft type slid for several dozen yards along the surface before coming to a complete stop.
All 82 occupants on board were successfully evacuated from the plane without injury. Following the incident, the airframe was determined to be a total loss and was declared damaged beyond repair.
Findings
Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was the failure of the landing gear to lock into place prior to touchdown.