Aircraft crash near Poza Rica during news delegation transport

18 fatalities • Poza Rica, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

A chartered aircraft carrying a group of journalists crashed into a hillside near Poza Rica, Mexico, resulting in 18 fatalities.

What happened

A government-chartered flight was transporting a group of 15 journalists from Mexico City to Poza Rica to provide media coverage for a presidential campaign. During the approach to the destination airfield, the crew encountered adverse weather characterized by low cloud cover, which prevented them from identifying the runway.

In an attempt to navigate through the obscured visibility, the pilot initiated a descent to locate a break in the clouds. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with Vega Hill, situated approximately six kilometers east of the airport. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Of the 19 people on board, there were 18 fatalities and one individual sustained serious injuries.

Findings

The investigation concluded that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain during a descent attempt to find visibility through low cloud cover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-01-25 Convair CV-240 accident near Poza Rica, Mexico?

A chartered aircraft carrying a group of journalists crashed into a hillside near Poza Rica, Mexico, resulting in 18 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-01-25 Convair CV-240 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 18 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-01-25 involved a Convair CV-240, registration XC-DOK, operated by Comisión Federal de Electricidad, at Poza Rica, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain during a descent attempt to find visibility through low cloud cover.

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