1 fatality

Engine Failure Leads to Fatal Crash During Fly Release Flight (XB-RQE)

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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 2021 Cessna 401 accident near Tapachula, Mexico?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 2021 Cessna 401 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 2021 involved a Cessna 401, registration XB-RQE, operated by Servicios Mubarqui, at Tapachula, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Impact of the aircraft against the ground during a tight turn towards the side of the right engine, which showed inadequate performance. Contributing factors: continuing the flight despite intermittent failures in the fuel flow of engine number 2, failure to adhere to the abnormal engine failure procedure during…