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8 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Mount Lilio on Approach to Mexico City (OB-R-1143)

Mexico City, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On August 1, 1980, a Douglas DC-8 (registration OB-R-1143) operated by AeroPeru was involved in an aviation accident near Mexico City, Mexico during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, an aircraft struck trees and crashed on Mount Lilio, about 24 km from the airport. All eight occupants were killed. The mountain was cloud-covered; the crew descended too low for unknown reasons.

Accident Overview

On approach to Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, the flight crew received clearance to descend from 11,000 to 9,000 feet. During the descent, the aircraft struck tree tops and subsequently crashed on the slope of Mount Lilio, which is located approximately 24 kilometers from the airport.

Circumstances

At the time of the accident, Mount Lilio was shrouded by clouds. For reasons that remain unknown, the crew was approaching the airport at an altitude that was too low relative to the terrain.

Impact and Aftermath

The aircraft disintegrated upon impact with the mountain. All eight occupants on board were killed. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator have been provided in the investigation source.

Probable cause

For unknown reasons, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 1980 Douglas DC-8 accident near Mexico City, Mexico?

During approach to Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport, an aircraft struck trees and crashed on Mount Lilio, about 24 km from the airport. All eight occupants were killed. The mountain was cloud-covered; the crew descended too low for unknown reasons.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Aug 1980 Douglas DC-8 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 1980 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration OB-R-1143, operated by AeroPeru, at Mexico City, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

For unknown reasons, the crew was approaching the airport at a too low altitude.

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