9 fatalities

Night Descent in Poor Visibility Ends in Crash Near Piedras Negras (XA-SVM)

Piedras Negras, MexicoFlight

On October 31, 1995, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration XA-SVM) operated by Transportes Aéreos de Coahuila - TACSA was involved in an aviation accident near Piedras Negras, Mexico in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue the descent in below minima weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft struck a hillside 16 km from Piedras Negras Airport during a night descent in drizzle and mist. Two passengers were seriously injured, nine others were killed.

Overview

On a night flight to Piedras Negras, a single-engine aircraft descended into a hill located approximately 16 kilometers from the airport. The approach was conducted under limited visibility due to drizzle and mist. The aircraft struck the slope, resulting in the deaths of nine occupants and serious injuries to two others.

Flight and Weather Conditions

The pilot began the descent to Piedras Negras during nighttime hours. Weather conditions at the time included drizzle and mist, which reduced visibility. The aircraft continued its descent despite the poor weather.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft descended too low and collided with the terrain of a hill situated 16 kilometers from Piedras Negras Airport. The impact caused the destruction of the aircraft and casualties among the occupants.

Casualties and Injuries

Two passengers sustained serious injuries, while nine other occupants were killed in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue the descent in below minima weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Oct 1995 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident near Piedras Negras, Mexico?

A single-engine aircraft struck a hillside 16 km from Piedras Negras Airport during a night descent in drizzle and mist. Two passengers were seriously injured, nine others were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Oct 1995 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Oct 1995 involved a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration XA-SVM, operated by Transportes Aéreos de Coahuila - TACSA, at Piedras Negras, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue the descent in below minima weather conditions.