Aircraft crash near Monterrey during climb to Falcon

21 fatalities • Monterrey, Mexico • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a mountain ravine approximately 30 km northeast of Monterrey, resulting in the deaths of all 21 people on board.

What happened

At approximately 07:00 local time, an aircraft departed from Monterrey Airport, heading toward Falcon, Tamaulipas. Roughly ten minutes into the flight, during the initial climb phase, the plane struck a mountainside. The impact forced the aircraft into a deep ravine located about 30 km northeast of its departure point.

The accident resulted in 21 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the occupants. Those on board included several prominent Mexican media personalities and entertainers. At the time of the flight, these passengers were traveling to attend official ceremonies related to the inauguration of the Falcon Dam, a project situated on the border between the United States and Mexico. The event was intended to facilitate a meeting between US President Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez.

Findings

  • The aircraft struck a mountain slope during its climb phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft collided with terrain while ascending shortly after departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-10-19 Douglas DC-3 accident near Monterrey, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain ravine approximately 30 km northeast of Monterrey, resulting in the deaths of all 21 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-10-19 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 21 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-10-19 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration XC-PMX, operated by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), at Monterrey, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft collided with terrain while ascending shortly after departure.

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