8 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes into Mountain Near Tecalitlán (XB-FTA)

Tecalitlán, MexicoFlight

On September 13, 2003, a Cessna 402 (registration XB-FTA) operated by Private Mexico was involved in an aviation accident near Tecalitlán, Mexico in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the pilot decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a mountain slope near Tecalitlán, Jalisco, while cruising at 8,400 feet under VFR in poor weather from a tropical storm. All eight occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

While cruising under visual flight rules (VFR) at an altitude of 8,400 feet, a twin-engine aircraft impacted the slope of a mountain located near Tecalitlán. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash, and all eight occupants sustained fatal injuries. At the time of the accident, weather conditions over the State of Jalisco were poor due to a tropical storm that brought heavy rain and strong winds.

Investigation

Investigators examined the circumstances of the accident, focusing on the pilot's decision-making and the prevailing weather. The aircraft had been operating in visual meteorological conditions but encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) associated with the tropical storm. The pilot continued the flight under VFR despite the deteriorating weather.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was determined to be controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) after the pilot decided to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions.