No fatalities

2006-12-03: Cessna 501 Citation I (N501SP) — Premier Air Management — Mexicali, Mexico

Mexicali, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On December 3, 2006, a Cessna 501 Citation I (registration N501SP) operated by Premier Air Management was involved in an aviation accident near Mexicali, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on short final due to windshear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781198449Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N501SP
Aircraft registered N501SP. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On short final to Mexicali Airport, an aircraft encountered windshear, lost height, and struck the ground short of the runway. The undercarriage was torn off and the aircraft landed on its belly, sliding before stopping on the runway. No injuries occurred, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Details

During the final approach to Mexicali Airport, the aircraft entered a windshear condition. The sudden change in wind caused a loss of height, and the aircraft descended below the intended glide path.

Sequence of Events

The undercarriage impacted the ground short of the runway threshold and was torn off during the collision. Subsequently, the aircraft landed on its belly and slid for several dozen meters before coming to rest on the runway surface.

Outcome

There were no injuries to any persons on board. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be loss of control on short final due to windshear.