Fatal aircraft collision with mountainside near Mexico City

19 fatalities • Mexico City, Mexico • Flight

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a mountain slope approximately 65 km west of Mexico City, resulting in 19 fatalities.

What happened

During a flight through challenging weather conditions, a twin engine airplane collided with the side of a mountain. The impact occurred on a slope that was obscured by heavy cloud cover. The accident took place at a location situated roughly 65 km to the west of Mexico City.

Of the individuals on board the aircraft, there were 19 fatalities and two survivors, consisting of the pilot and one passenger.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in marginal meteorological conditions at the time of the accident.
  • Cloud cover obscured the terrain, preventing the crew from seeing the mountain slope during the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside that was hidden by clouds during flight in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-09-09 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Mexico City, Mexico?

A twin-engine airplane crashed into a mountain slope approximately 65 km west of Mexico City, resulting in 19 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-09-09 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 19 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-09-09 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration XA-BOP, operated by Lineas Aéreas del Centro, at Mexico City, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountainside that was hidden by clouds during flight in poor weather conditions.

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