1 fatality

2021-10-19: Cessna 401 (XB-RQE) — Servicios Mubarqui — Tapachula, Mexico

Tapachula, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On October 19, 2021, a Cessna 401 (registration XB-RQE) operated by Servicios Mubarqui was involved in an aviation accident near Tapachula, Mexico during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Impact of the aircraft against the ground during a tight turn towards the side of the right engine, which showed inadequate performance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781189873Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot died after reporting engine problems shortly after takeoff from Tapachula Airport; the aircraft crashed into a mango plantation during an uncontrolled descent.

Flight Details

The pilot, the sole occupant, departed from Tapachula Airport on a local flight to release Mediterranean flies. A flight plan of four hours was filed, with a planned altitude of 9,500 feet. The flies were intended to be released in an area located 60 to 100 nautical miles around the Tapachula VOR.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff from Runway 05, while climbing to an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, the pilot reported engine problems. The aircraft then turned to the right and entered an uncontrolled descent, ultimately crashing in a mango plantation. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot was killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause was impact of the aircraft against the ground during a tight turn towards the side of the right engine, which showed inadequate performance. The following contributing factors were identified: continuing the flight despite intermittent failures in the fuel flow of engine number 2, failure to adhere to the abnormal engine failure procedure during takeoff, and fatigue fracture of the fuel pump shaft of engine number 2.