Aircraft crash on Mt El Fraile during climb from Monterrey

3 fatalities • Monterrey, Mexico • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Monterrey while climbing through cloud cover, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On a flight departing from Monterrey-General Mariano Escobido Airport at 12:00 local time, a twin engine aircraft was en route to La Paz, Baja California Sur. The flight was carrying two pilots and one passenger. During the initial climb phase, the aircraft entered a layer of clouds and subsequently collided with the slope of Mt El Fraile.

Search efforts located the wreckage later that afternoon. The impact and a subsequent fire caused the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 3 fatalities among the occupants, including the pilot, the co-pilot, and one passenger.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in cloudy conditions during the climb.
  • The collision occurred with the terrain of Mt El Fraile.
  • The wreckage sustained damage from both high-impact forces and a post-crash fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside while climbing through cloud cover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-10-17 Cessna 402 accident near Monterrey, Mexico?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Monterrey while climbing through cloud cover, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-10-17 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-10-17 involved a Cessna 402, registration XC-HAQ, operated by Government of the State of Baja California Sur, at Monterrey, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountainside while climbing through cloud cover.

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