Aircraft crash near Tecalitlán, Jalisco

8 fatalities • Tecalitlán, Mexico • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Tecalitlán during a tropical storm, resulting in eight fatalities.

What happened

During a flight conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), a twin engine aircraft struck a mountain slope in the vicinity of Tecalitlán. The accident occurred while the aircraft was maintaining an altitude of 8,400 feet. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused the deaths of all eight occupants.

At the time of the impact, the region of Jalisco was experiencing severe weather driven by a tropical storm. This weather system brought heavy rainfall and significant wind speeds to the area, contributing to the difficult flying conditions.

Findings

The flight was being operated under VFR in conditions that were highly unfavorable due to the presence of a tropical storm.
Poor weather conditions, specifically heavy rain and strong winds, were present during the flight phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while flying in poor visibility and heavy precipitation caused by a tropical storm.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-09-13 Cessna 402 accident near Tecalitlán, Mexico?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Tecalitlán during a tropical storm, resulting in eight fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-09-13 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-09-13 involved a Cessna 402, registration XB-FTA, operated by Private Mexico, at Tecalitlán, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?