On April 15, 1957, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (registration XA-KUN) operated by Transportes Aéreos Mexicanos - TAMSA was involved in an aviation accident near Mérida, Mexico during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was due to a maneuvering error which consisted in making two turns onto the Mexico City heading without conforming the distance and procedure specifications and below the prescribed altitudes and speeds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After takeoff from runway 10, the aircraft climbed to 300 feet, turned left, then stalled and crashed, killing all three occupants including actor Pedro Infante and a child on the ground.
Accident
The accident occurred after the aircraft departed from runway 10. During the initial climb, the pilot reached an altitude of 300 feet and then turned left to a heading of 65 degrees. The aircraft continued ascending for another 400 to 600 feet before the pilot lost control. The airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and crashed onto Calle 54 Sur Street, approximately two kilometers north of the airport. The impact was accompanied by a large explosion. The aircraft was completely destroyed. All three people aboard died, including the Mexican actor and singer Pedro Infante, who was acting as pilot. A child on the ground also died.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was a maneuvering error. The pilot made two turns to the Mexico City heading without following the required distance and procedure specifications, and at altitudes and speeds below those prescribed. The error was further aggravated by a probable shift of the load caused by improper securing.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1957 Consolidated B-24 Liberator accident near Mérida, Mexico?
After takeoff from runway 10, the aircraft climbed to 300 feet, turned left, then stalled and crashed, killing all three occupants including actor Pedro Infante and a child on the ground.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 1957 Consolidated B-24 Liberator accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1957 involved a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, registration XA-KUN, operated by Transportes Aéreos Mexicanos - TAMSA, at Mérida, Mexico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was due to a maneuvering error which consisted in making two turns onto the Mexico City heading without conforming the distance and procedure specifications and below the prescribed altitudes and speeds. This error was aggravated by a probable shifting of the load due to improper securing.
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