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4 fatalities

Aircraft Crash into Lake Texcoco After Takeoff from Mexico City (XC-ABW)

Mexico City-Benito Juarez, MexicoTakeoff (climb)

On November 5, 1955, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XC-ABW) operated by Mexican Government was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure shortly after liftoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 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 crashed into Lake Texcoco shortly after takeoff from Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport due to an engine failure, killing four people and injuring 14 others.

Incident Overview and Casualties An aircraft crashed into Lake Texcoco shortly after taking off from Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of a crew member and three passengers, including Mexican architect Carlos Lazo Barreiro. The remaining 14 occupants on board were injured in the crash. The flight was being operated on behalf of the Ministry of Communications and Public Works (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas - SCOP). ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine failure that occurred shortly after liftoff.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Nov 1955 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into Lake Texcoco shortly after takeoff from Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport due to an engine failure, killing four people and injuring 14 others.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 1955 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Nov 1955 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XC-ABW, operated by Mexican Government, at Mexico City-Benito Juarez, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure shortly after liftoff.

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