On July 14, 1955, a Douglas DC-2 (registration XA-DOB) operated by Lineas Aéreas Unidas (LAUSA) was involved in an aviation accident near Oaxaca, Mexico during landing or approach. 22 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight crew initiated a descent toward the airport before reaching the appropriate position, resulting in a collision with a mountainside. 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 during its descent to Oaxaca-Xoxocotlan Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 22 people on board.
What happened
During an approach to Oaxaca-Xoxocotlan Airport, the flight crew initiated a descent that led to a collision with terrain. The aircraft type impacted a mountain slope situated approximately 39 km away from the destination airport. Following the impact, search efforts located the wreckage several hours later.
There were 22 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash.
Findings
Preliminary information indicates that the crew began their descent toward the airport earlier than intended. This premature descent is the primary factor identified in the sequence of events leading to the mountain strike.
Probable cause
The flight crew initiated a descent toward the airport before reaching the appropriate position, resulting in a collision with a mountainside.
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