No fatalities

Aircraft crash in San Jose estuary following takeoff (XA-CUC)

Guerrero Negro, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On December 20, 1997, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XA-CUC) operated by Aerolineas California del Pacifico was involved in an aviation accident near Guerrero Negro, Mexico during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into the San Jose estuary shortly after departing Guerrero Negro Airport, resulting in no fatalities among the five people on board.

What happened

During a recent flight departing from Guerrero Negro Airport, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control during its initial climb. While ascending, the nose of the plane dipped downward, leading to a crash into the San Jose estuary, located a few hundred meters away from the shoreline.

Despite the impact, all five occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft type was destroyed in the accident and is considered a total loss due to extensive damage.

Findings

No specific technical reasons for the sudden descent have been confirmed, though the event occurred during the climb phase immediately following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Dec 1997 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Guerrero Negro, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into the San Jose estuary shortly after departing Guerrero Negro Airport, resulting in no fatalities among the five people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Dec 1997 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Dec 1997 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XA-CUC, operated by Aerolineas California del Pacifico, at Guerrero Negro, Mexico.