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2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash during unauthorized landing attempt

Vargas, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On May 13, 1982, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Vargas, Mexico during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crash was caused by the crew's attempt to land at an unauthorized and clandestine airstrip during an illegal flight operation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while attempting to land at an unregistered airstrip, resulting in the deaths of both people on board.

What happened

During an unauthorized flight operation, a small aircraft crashed while the crew was attempting to touch down at a clandestine landing site. The flight was being conducted without proper legal authorization. At the time of the impact, the plane was transporting a cargo consisting of various pieces of electronic equipment.

Findings

  • The crash resulted in two fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants.
  • The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight while the crew was targeting an unmapped or unofficial airstrip.
  • The primary factor contributing to the accident was the attempted landing at an illegal airstrip.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by the crew's attempt to land at an unauthorized and clandestine airstrip during an illegal flight operation.

Related events

Same operator

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