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2 fatalities

Fatal cargo aircraft crash near Melchor Ocampo (N163J)

Melchor Ocampo, MexicoFlight

On March 21, 1970, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N163J) operated by Aircraft Charters was involved in an aviation accident near Melchor Ocampo, Mexico in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the loss of control remains undetermined, though authorities identified the flight as an illegal operation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight transporting mercury crashed near Melchor Ocampo, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

A cargo operation traveling from Laredo to Fresnillo ended in a fatal accident near Melchor Ocampo. The aircraft was mid-flight when it became uncontrollable and impacted the ground under circumstances that remain under investigation.

The flight was transporting a shipment of mercury bottles at the time of the incident. Both the pilot and the co-pilot were killed in the crash. Following the event, Mexican authorities indicated that the flight was being conducted illegally.

Findings

While the specific mechanical or operational reasons for the loss of control have not been finalized, officials have noted the unauthorized nature of the flight operation as a significant factor regarding the mission's legality.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the loss of control remains undetermined, though authorities identified the flight as an illegal operation.

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