Douglas DC-2 accident at Mt Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico, 11 Aug 1945 (XA-DOT)
On August 11, 1945, a Douglas DC-2 (registration XA-DOT) operated by Mexicana de Aviación was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: According to the Mexican Authorities, the aircraft was not flying on the assigned track at the time of the accident and the crew was unable to see the mountain due to the poor visibility caused by bad weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
According to the Mexican Authorities, the aircraft was not flying on the assigned track at the time of the accident and the crew was unable to see the mountain due to the poor visibility caused by bad weather conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While flying over Puebla, the crew informed ATC of his position and confirmed his altitude at 15,000 feet. Few minutes later, while cruising in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit the slope of Mt Iztaccíhuatl located east of the capital city. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact and all 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): According to the Mexican Authorities, the aircraft was not flying on the assigned track at the time of the accident and the crew was unable to see the mountain due to the poor visibility caused by bad weather conditions.