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18 fatalities

Aerovias Rojas Inaugural Flight Crash Near Mexico City (XA-GEV)

Villa del Carbón, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On April 10, 1968, a Douglas DC-3 (registration XA-GEV) operated by Aerovias Rojas was involved in an aviation accident near Villa del Carbón, Mexico during landing or approach. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during the approach, resulting in a collision with a hill near Villa del Carbón. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During its inaugural Aguascalientes–Mexico City flight, an Aerovias Rojas aircraft struck a hill near Villa del Carbón while approaching Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport from the north. All 18 occupants were killed.

Overview and Flight Details The accident involved an Aerovias Rojas aircraft operating the airline's inaugural flight from Aguascalientes to Mexico City. The flight was on approach to Mexico City-Benito Juarez Airport from the north when the incident occurred. ## Accident Sequence According to the source, the crew did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low during the approach. The airplane subsequently struck the top of a hill located near Villa del Carbón. ## Wreckage and Casualties The wreckage was located 55 km northwest of Mexico Airport. All 18 occupants on board were killed in the accident.

Probable cause

The crew failed to realize the aircraft's altitude was too low during the approach, resulting in a collision with a hill near Villa del Carbón.
Controlled flight into terrain

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