Aircraft accident at Durango-Guadalupe Victoria Airport

No fatalities • Durango, Mexico • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during takeoff at Durango-Guadalupe Victoria Airport following significant wind shifts and thunderstorm activity, resulting in 39 injuries.

What happened

During a departure from runway 03 at Durango-Guadalupe Victoria Airport, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. A thunderstorm had moved over the airfield approximately five minutes before the takeoff roll began. At the start of the takeoff, the wind was recorded at 047° with a speed of 33 knots.

Shortly after the aircraft reached a height of 8 feet while traveling at 145 knots, the wind direction shifted to 103° at 11 knots. As the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 30 feet, a further change occurred, introducing a 22-knot tailwind component from 030°. This sudden shift caused the aircraft to descend and strike the ground. The impact was severe enough to detach both engines from the airframe. Following the impact, the aircraft overran the runway, sliding for 380 metres before a post-crash fire erupted. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the flames.

All 103 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. While there were no fatalities, the accident resulted in 39 injuries, with 14 of those classified as serious.

Findings

Investigation of the circumstances indicates that the accident occurred amidst poor weather characterized by heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity. The primary contributing factor was the significant and rapid variation in wind components during the initial climb phase, specifically the introduction of a strong tailwind.

Probable cause

Rapidly changing wind conditions and a sudden increase in tailwind component during the takeoff climb.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-07-31 Embraer ERJ-190 accident near Durango, Mexico?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during takeoff at Durango-Guadalupe Victoria Airport following significant wind shifts and thunderstorm activity, resulting in 39 injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2018-07-31 Embraer ERJ-190 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-07-31 involved a Embraer ERJ-190, registration XA-GAL, operated by AeroMéxico Connect, at Durango, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Rapidly changing wind conditions and a sudden increase in tailwind component during the takeoff climb.

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