Aircraft crash in Sierra de Guerrero following cabin decompression

18 fatalities • Zihuatanejo, Mexico • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside in Mexico after experiencing a loss of cabin pressure during its flight from Acapulco.

What happened

Shortly after departing from Acapulco-General Juan N. Álvarez Airport, the aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 31,000 feet when a sudden decompression occurred within the cabin. In response to this emergency, the crew initiated an emergency descent and requested permission to return to the departure airport for an unplanned landing.

During the descent, while the aircraft was at approximately 6,000 feet, it collided with a mountain slope located in the Sierra de Guerrero, roughly 65 km east of Zihuatanejo. The force of the impact caused the airplane to disintegrate. There were 18 fatalities among the occupants of the flight.

Findings

Investigations into the accident highlighted two primary issues. While the specific origin of the cabin decompression has not been determined, it was noted that the crew did not adhere to established emergency protocols during the descent.

Probable cause

The crash resulted from a failure to follow emergency procedures following an unidentified cabin decompression event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-11-08 Douglas DC-9 accident near Zihuatanejo, Mexico?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside in Mexico after experiencing a loss of cabin pressure during its flight from Acapulco.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-11-08 Douglas DC-9 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 18 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-11-08 involved a Douglas DC-9, registration XA-DEO, operated by AeroMéxico, at Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash resulted from a failure to follow emergency procedures following an unidentified cabin decompression event.

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