Fatal aircraft impact near Ensenada Airport

8 fatalities • Ensenada, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during a night approach to Ensenada Airport, resulting in the loss of all eight people on board.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Ensenada Airport, an aircraft struck a hill situated a short distance from the airfield. The flight was operating in foggy weather conditions at the time of the accident. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused eight fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the crash suggest that the crew was operating at an altitude that was too low for the terrain. It is believed that the crew proceeded with their descent without having obtained the necessary clearance to approach Ensenada Airport. The primary factor in the accident was the failure to maintain sufficient altitude while navigating through low visibility.

Probable cause

The crew descended to an unsafe altitude without receiving approach clearance while flying in foggy conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-06 Cessna 500 Citation accident near Ensenada, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into a hillside during a night approach to Ensenada Airport, resulting in the loss of all eight people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-02-06 Cessna 500 Citation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-06 involved a Cessna 500 Citation, registration XA-SLQ, operated by Aérotaxi Cachanilla, at Ensenada, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew descended to an unsafe altitude without receiving approach clearance while flying in foggy conditions.

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