On December 31, 1968, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XA-SAE) operated by SAESA - Servicios Aéreos Especiales was involved in an aviation accident near Soto la Marina, Mexico in flight. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through marginal weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside west of Soto la Marina during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During a period of marginal meteorological conditions, an airplane collided with the side of a mountain situated to the west of Soto la Marina. Following the impact, search efforts located the debris field within the El Diablo canyon several hours after the event occurred.
All 26 people on board the aircraft perished in the accident. The flight was in the cruise phase of operation at the time of the collision with the terrain.
Findings
The aircraft was operating in weather conditions characterized by low visibility or marginal stability.
The impact occurred when the plane struck a mountain slope.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through marginal weather conditions.
What happened in the 31 Dec 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Soto la Marina, Mexico?
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside west of Soto la Marina during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 1968 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 26 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 1968 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XA-SAE, operated by SAESA - Servicios Aéreos Especiales, at Soto la Marina, Mexico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through marginal weather conditions.
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