On January 29, 1986, a Douglas DC-3 (registration XA-IOR) operated by Aero California was involved in an aviation accident near Las Lomitas, Mexico during landing or approach. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize their altitude was insufficient, resulting in the aircraft striking a mountain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While diverting to Las Lomitas Airport due to fog, a commercial aircraft crashed into a mountain near the airfield after the crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. All 21 occupants were killed.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a descent to Los Mochis Airport when the crew encountered foggy conditions. With visibility falling below minimums for that airport, the crew decided to divert to Las Lomitas Airport. While approaching Las Lomitas in poor visibility, the crew failed to realize that their altitude was insufficient. The aircraft subsequently struck a mountain located a few kilometers from the airfield.
Fatalities
All 21 occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the impact.
Airfield Status
At the time of the accident, the Las Lomitas Airfield was not open to commercial flights anymore.
Probable cause
The crew failed to realize their altitude was insufficient, resulting in the aircraft striking a mountain.
What happened in the 29 Jan 1986 Douglas DC-3 accident near Las Lomitas, Mexico?
While diverting to Las Lomitas Airport due to fog, a commercial aircraft crashed into a mountain near the airfield after the crew failed to maintain sufficient altitude. All 21 occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jan 1986 Douglas DC-3 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 21 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 1986 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration XA-IOR, operated by Aero California, at Las Lomitas, Mexico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew failed to realize their altitude was insufficient, resulting in the aircraft striking a mountain.
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