No fatalities

2023-08-09: Cessna 340 — Private Mexico — Tapachula, Mexico

Tapachula, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On August 9, 2023, a Cessna 340 operated by Private Mexico was involved in an aviation accident near Tapachula, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered Mexican airspace without permission and performed an unauthorized landing on a remote grass strip. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781189228Data APIEditorial standards

An unidentified twin-engine airplane performed an unauthorized landing on a remote airstrip in Mexico, resulting in a collision with vegetation and the discovery of narcotics.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft entered Mexican airspace without prior authorization and proceeded toward a remote landing strip situated approximately 40 km west of Tapachula. During the landing sequence, the aircraft performed a belly landing on a grass runway. After making contact with the ground, the plane veered toward the left side of the strip, where it struck several palm trees.

Upon arrival at the crash site, authorities found the aircraft abandoned. No individuals were located at the scene of the accident. However, during the inspection of the wreckage, law enforcement officers discovered a significant quantity of narcotics, specifically approximately 462 kg of cocaine, inside the plane.

Findings

While the specific mechanical or operational reasons for the belly landing were not detailed, the investigation confirmed that the aircraft's flight path involved unauthorized entry into national airspace and a subsequent collision with trees following the landing attempt.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered Mexican airspace without permission and performed an unauthorized landing on a remote grass strip.