Cargo aircraft crash near Saltillo-Plan de Guadalupe Airport

1 fatality • Saltillo, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating from Hamilton to Saltillo crashed during a missed approach due to poor visibility, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

A cargo flight originating from Hamilton, Ontario, was en route to Saltillo, Coahuila, via an intermediate stop in Shreveport, Louisiana. The aircraft was transporting 4 tons of automotive components and was operated by a crew consisting of two pilots. After arriving in Shreveport at 23:19 local time and departing at 23:48, the flight proceeded toward its destination.

During the approach to runway 17 at Saltillo-Plan de Guadalupe Airport, the crew encountered nighttime conditions and low visibility caused by adverse weather. While on final approach, the captain was unable to visually identify the runway. Consequently, the decision was made to execute a go-around procedure. Approximately nine seconds after the maneuver began, the aircraft type impacted the ground 550 meters east of the runway 17 threshold. The impact caused the airframe to burst into flames, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in one fatality (the captain) and one serious injury (the copilot).

Findings

  • The crew attempted to continue the approach despite low visibility caused by poor weather and darkness.
  • The aircraft struck the terrain shortly after the initiation of a missed approach maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain visual contact with the runway during a go-around in low-visibility weather conditions led to the ground impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-07-06 Douglas DC-9 accident near Saltillo, Mexico?

A cargo flight operating from Hamilton to Saltillo crashed during a missed approach due to poor visibility, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-07-06 Douglas DC-9 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-07-06 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration N199US, operated by USA Jet Airlines, at Saltillo, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain visual contact with the runway during a go-around in low-visibility weather conditions led to the ground impact.

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