Single-engine aircraft crash during DEA mission near Mexico City

3 fatalities • San Miguel Totolapan, Mexico • Flight

A single-engine plane crashed in a canyon near Mexico City while performing a low-altitude maneuver, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

What happened

A flight operating on behalf of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was conducting an official mission when it crashed in a canyon. The single-engine airplane had departed from Mexico City and was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at a low altitude. During the execution of a left turn, the aircraft encountered reduced visibility. As the pilot attempted to navigate the maneuver, the plane collided with trees and various obstacles before impacting the ground. The impact resulted in a post-crash fire.

Findings

  • All three fatalities occurred during the accident.
  • The crash was precipitated by diminished visibility while the aircraft was maneuvering at low altitude.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck obstacles and trees during a left turn due to reduced visibility while flying at low altitude.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-05-14 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident near San Miguel Totolapan, Mexico?

A single-engine plane crashed in a canyon near Mexico City while performing a low-altitude maneuver, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-05-14 De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-05-14 involved a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, registration N3010F, operated by Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA, at San Miguel Totolapan, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck obstacles and trees during a left turn due to reduced visibility while flying at low altitude.

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