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Aircraft Collision with Steel Tower on Approach to Mérida-Rejon Airport (XA-GIO)

Mérida, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On September 14, 1953, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XA-GIO) operated by Transportes Aéreos Mexicanos - TAMSA was involved in an aviation accident near Mérida, Mexico during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Too low approach in foggy conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a steel tower during a low approach in foggy conditions at Mérida-Rejon Airport, resulting in a crash in a wooded area, one pilot killed, one injured, and total aircraft destruction.

Incident Overview During an approach to Mérida-Rejon Airport, the flight crew encountered foggy conditions. While flying at an altitude that was too low, the airplane collided with a steel tower. The impact caused the loss of a wing, and the aircraft subsequently crashed into a wooded area. The accident resulted in the death of one pilot and injuries to the second pilot. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. ## Official Findings The investigation identified the probable cause as a too low approach conducted in foggy conditions. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, exact date, or precise location beyond the airport and wooded area.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 1953 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mérida, Mexico?

An aircraft struck a steel tower during a low approach in foggy conditions at Mérida-Rejon Airport, resulting in a crash in a wooded area, one pilot killed, one injured, and total aircraft destruction.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Sept 1953 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 1953 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XA-GIO, operated by Transportes Aéreos Mexicanos - TAMSA, at Mérida, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Too low approach in foggy conditions.

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